Arevaci

Arevaci were an ancient Celtiberian tribe that inhabited the central part of the Iberian Peninsula during the late Iron Age and into the early Roman period. They were one of the leading groups within Celtiberia and occupied a broad area in the central highlands, including the upper Jalón and Duero river valleys, in what is now parts of Castile and León and Aragon. The most famous Arevaci center was Numantia, near present-day Soria, which developed into a strong fortress city and symbol of resistance to Roman conquest.

In the 2nd century BCE, the Arevaci and other Celtiberian groups fought against Rome as part of the Celtiberian Wars. They conducted prolonged resistance and engaged Roman commanders during campaigns aimed at subduing Celtiberian territory. The final episode of Arevaci resistance is associated with the siege of Numantia, which ended in Roman victory and the destruction or drastic subjugation of the city and its inhabitants.

Culture and language: the Arevaci spoke a Celtiberian language, a Celtic tongue attested in inscriptions and records from the region. Their material culture included fortified settlements, metalworking, and urban centers characteristic of Celtiberian societies. Politically, they are described in ancient sources as a tribal confederation with local chieftains and prominent urban centers.

After conquest, Arevaci lands were incorporated into the Roman provincial system, initially in Hispania Citerior and later reorganized under Tarraconensis as Roman control extended. The Arevaci are referenced by classical authors such as Polybius, Strabo, and Pliny as a major Celtiberian people, and their legacy remains in the study of Celtiberian history and Iberian archaeology.