Cantabrians Discussion

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Ancient Cantabria was a large tribal federation that lived in the northern coastal region of ancient Iberia. Roman historian Dio Cassius records how the Cantabri were experts at guerrilla warfare tactics against the Roman legions. They knew their difficult and mountainous terrain better and could conduct precision surprise strikes with ranged weapons and ambushes followed by quick retreats causing great damage to the Roman columns and supply lines. The Cantabrian forces were armed with short spears, javelins, lances and oval shields made of wood - as well as the bipennis, a double-headed battle axe specific to northern Hispania. After their defeat by Augustus, the Roman army would adopt the same tactics with light cavalry - this defeat was no small feat as it required 8 entire legions as well as the combined Roman navy.