CELTIBERIA, in Ancient Geography, a country of
the Hither Spain, along the right or south-west side
of the river Iberus; though sometimes the greatest part
of Spain was called by the name Celtiberia. The people
were denominated Celtiberi, or the Celte seated on
the Iberus. They were brave and very warlike; their
cavalry in particular was excellent. They wore a
black and rough cloak, the shag of which was like
goats hair. Some of them had light bucklers like the
Gauls: others hollow and round ones like those of
other nations. They all wore boots made of hair, and
iron helmets adorned with crests of a purple colour.
They used swords which cut on both sides, and po-
niards of a foot long. Their arms were of an admirable
temper, and are said to have been prepared in the
following manner: they buried plates of iron under
ground, where they let them remain till the rust had
eaten the weakest part of the metal, and the rest was
consequently hard and firm. Of this excellent iron
they made their swords, which were so strong and
well tempered, that there was neither buckler nor
helmet that could resist their edge. The Celtiberians
were very cruel towards their enemies and malefac-
tors, but showed the greatest humanity to their guests.
They not only cheerfully granted their hospitality to
strangers who travelled in their country, but were
desirous that they should seek protection under their
roof.