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BANDITS IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE
of Diodorus and Cassius Dio. Both of these are so similar in their choice and
ordering of principal traits that we may assume a common source. The long
list of physical and intellectual qualities, together with examples of his
moral integrity, which both authors deploy to characterise Viriatus combine
to create a profile that fits Stoic criteria for the ideal man. As H. Simon has
persuasively demonstrated, both Diodorus and Cassius Dio may have taken
the account given of him by Posidonius, the exponent of later Stoicism, as
the basis of their characterisation of Viriatus. 59 Somewhat earlier, Ennius
(whose work in any case reveals admiration for major enemies of Rome) 60
demonstrated an idealising attitude similar to that of Posidonius when he
formulated his famous remark concerning the basis of the Roman state. 61
Praise of Viriatus may be summarised as follows. Accustomed to the
poverty stricken life of the mountain herdsman from his early childhood,
Viriatus was fully at home in the conditions of his environment. 62 In physical
terms this meant that he was strong and fast, abilities which he raised to the
highest levels of endurance through hard exercise. 63 Toughening-up made
him resistant to heat and cold, 64 and allowed him to survive on a minimum
of sleep – for which he anyway required only a bed under the stars. 65 He
demonstrated his moderation in eating and drinking not only in his everyday
life 66 but even at his own wedding breakfast. 67 Viriatus’ outstanding
bodily characteristics were exceeded by his mental qualities, which were
essential in bringing out his full physical potential. Self-confidence and
modesty were as much part of the equation as determination and forethought.
68 In spite of his success in war, Viriatus was never carried away
by arrogance. 69 He never thought himself too good for humble tasks. 70 His
natural modesty was matched by clear, direct talking. 71 Despite his lack of a
formal education, he possessed great practical gifts as well as statesmanlike
wisdom. 72 Thanks to his exceptional powers of perception, he could settle
quickly on the most effective means, the best times and the most favourable
locations for action. All these capacities were deployed to the full in military
undertakings. 73 As a general, Viriatus welcomed a fight and was good at it
( philpolemos and eupolemos), 74 being motivated by the desire to perform great
deeds. 75 His reputation was founded on no noble pedigree, but solely on his
demonstration of his skills. As a result, his men adored him. 76 Under his
leadership there was no occasion for mutiny. 77 He had no lust for personal
wealth or power. 78
A particular object of admiration was Viriatus’ sense of justice, manifested
in the careful and generous manner in which he shared out plunder.
His men were rewarded according to their particular accomplishments, while
he himself exercised the greatest restraint. 79 When Cicero, engaged in preparing
his treatise on duties, sought exemplary cases of the fair distribution
of booty, he apparently found no suitable Romans. This is all the more
remarkable since he then names two foreign latrones as exemplifying this
virtue: Viriatus and then ‘the Illyrian latro, Bardylis’. 80 Cicero uses these to
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