Ilerda
Ilerda, located in northeastern Spain along the banks of the river Sicoris (Segre), has a rich historical significance dating back to ancient times. Named after the Ilergetes tribe, it was known for minting silver coins modeled after those from Greek cities like Emporion and Massalia, inscribed in Iberian characters. The town played a notable role during the Second Punic War when its leaders initially allied with the Carthaginians against Rome. However, in 49 BC, Ilerda became a pivotal battleground, as Julius Caesar achieved a significant victory over Pompey’s generals here, which shifted control of the region to him. Under Roman rule, Ilerda gained further prominence as a municipium and served as an essential stop on the route from Tarraco to Osca. The town’s cultural heritage includes an ancient Roman temple that later became the church of San Lorenzo and was also adapted into an Islamic mosque. Throughout its history, Ilerda has been referenced by notable figures like Ausonius and served as a Visigothic bishopric, reflecting its multifaceted legacy.
Subject Terms
Ilerda
(Lerida)
A town in northeast Spain, at the foot of a hill on the west bank of the river Sicoris (Segre), a tributary of the Iberus (Ebro). It was named after the tribe of the Ilergetes (of whom the Surdaones, in the immediate neighborhood, may have been a branch), and issued silver coins imitating those of the Greek cities of Emporion (Ampurias) and Massalia (Marseille) but inscribed in Iberian characters. In the Second Punic War the chieftains of Ilerda, Indibilius and Mandonius, supported the Carthaginians against the Romans, until they were captured in 205 BC.
It was here, in 49, that Julius Caesar inflicted a decisive defeat on Pompey the Great's generals Afranius and Petreius. After running short of provisions and becoming perilously cut off by the spring rise of the river, he turned the tables on his enemies and forced them into a position in which they, instead, were compelled by lack of food to capitulate. This meant that the whole of Spain fell into Caesar's hands. Under Augustus Ilerda coined with the title of municipium. It derives importance from its location on the road from Tarraco (capital of the province) to Osca (Huesca). The town was frequently mentioned by Ausonius (d. AD 395), and became a Visigothic bishopric. An ancient Roman temple, converted into the church of San Lorenzo, was incorporated into an Islamic mosque.