Viriathus with 8th B

VIRIATHUS Our Portuguese Mascot

VIRIATHUS
PORTUGUESE NATIONAL HERO
Viriathus (was one of the leaders of the Lusitani tribe that countered the Romans in the regions known today as Portugal and Extremadura. He was betrayed by a handful of followers for money. However, after Viriathus was killed, these followers were killed or enslaved. When in charge of the Lusitanian guerrilla (147 BC - 139 BC), Viriathus defeated the Roman army numerous time.

Viriathus' life
Little is known about Viriathus. Very probably, he was a shepherd - a normal occupation among the Lusitanians. He was known among the Lusitanians as a great warrior, and many nominated him as leader, which he constantly refused. Some say that he lived near Herminius Mons (today's Serra da Estrela in central Portugal) - the great fortress and heart of Lusitania. Others claim that he lived in Viseu. Today, some people refer to Viseu has being the "city of the Lusitanians".
In ancient Portuguese history, Viseu is noted as one of the major urban centers in the area where Viriathus, a legendary warrior and national hero, lived.
Viseu has a statue of Viriathus, the Lusitanians' leader who fought the invading Romans for the freedom of Lusitania, made by the sculptor Mariano Benliure.