Viriathus and Numantia rise up in arms in al-Andalus: the discourse on Hispanics during the tenth century

Abstract

This paper analyses the reception of Viriathus and Numantia in the Arabic sources. In the tenth century, both episodes were recovered and preserved in two Andalusian works, thanks to the use and translation of classical works, in particular, the Histories of Orosius. My contribution examines both works, focusing in particular on the account written by the Cordovan historian Aḥmad al-Rāzī (died 344/955) and indicating its origin, value and subsequent importance within Hispanic medieval historiography.