Viriathe est là : quand le héros antique s’invite dans le présent

Abstract

The Greco-Roman sources tell us the story of the warrior Viriathus, Lusitanian chieftain who gave grief to several Roman legions in Hispania. Strategist and man of values, he has been elevated to the rank of a Portuguese national hero since the 15^th century. For example, a hamlet in the inland mountainous countryside claims to have traditional links with the hero. In a manner of self-taught historians the whole community constructs, valorises and exhibits with pride its link with Viriathus. The aim here is to show, and understand, the various strategies of appropriation that are developed to reinforce an identity that is linked with the land’s heritage.