In 147 BC, the Roman generals Lucullus and Galba had previously committed atrocities against the Lusitanians, killing many and betraying their trust.
By 147 BC, the Lusitanians, numbering around 10,000, rose up once more under his leadership, driven by a desire for revenge and freedom from Roman oppression.
[1] Marcus Vetilius, commanding a force of 10,000 Romans, set a trap for the Lusitanians leaving them with no choice but to surrender.
Viriathus and his forces launched a surprise attack from both sides, driving them over the cliffs and taking them prisoners.
The surviving Roman soldiers were stationed on the walls of the town by the quaestor who accompanied Vetilius, badly demoralized.