Lusitania

Lusitania was an ancient Roman province which was part of Hispania Tarraconensis. It includes much of modern Portugal and a portion of western Spain. The people who inhabited Lusitania were known as the 'Lusitani' or, as they are often referred to by modern historians, the 'Lusitans'. They, like many non-Roman peoples, were described as 'barbaric' and 'savage' by Roman authors. However, we now understand that this was far from true based on the discovery of countless pieces of intricate Lusitan artwork including statues and weaponry. Many people from modern Portugal and even western Spain view the Lusitans as their ancestors. Viriato, a Lusitan leader and war-hero, is a national hero in Portugal. There is a commemorative statue of him in Viseu, Portugal.