Lusitani

The Lusitani lived in Iberia long before Carthage and Rome disturbed the region, and they will remain long after their oppressors have left. They are, like their distant cousins the Suebi, not a single clan but a confederation of smaller tribes, working together for defensive purposes and mutual gain. The Lusitani are fierce and agile warriors, suited to guerrilla warfare - making them excellent light infantry mercenaries - and their women are known to fight alongside the men, such is the fierceness of their culture.

Originating from the Douro valley in what is now Portugal, the Lusitani gradually spread south, eventually reaching and settling on either side of the Tagus river. The Lusitanian pantheon was very diverse, though they primarily worshipped Endovelicus, god of the people's welfare, as their chief deity. Ataegina was also popular, particularly in the south, as the goddess of nature and fertility. Like many other cultures of the time, the Lusitani were also known to sacrifice animals in tribute to their gods.

Although secluded in the west, the Iberian world has started to change; both Carthage and Rome are expanding into the region, and a violent clash is imminent. If they can secure their territory at home, there may yet be opportunities for the Lusitani to expand beyond the peninsula and out into the Mediterranean. There may be prudence in caution, even fraternisation, with the enemy, yet eventually all must fall before them!