an ancient kingdom of Spain, subdued by Augustus emperor of Rome.—The inhabitants of this country, along with those of Cantabria, asserted their liberty long after the rest of Spain had received the Roman yoke. So great was their desire of liberty, that, after being closely shut up by the Roman army, they endured the most terrible calamities of famine, even to the devouring of one another, rather than submit to the enemy. At length, however, the Asturians were for surrendering; but the Cantabrians opposed this measure, maintaining that they ought all to die sword in hand like brave men. Upon this the two nations quarrelled, notwithstanding their desperate situation; and a battle ensuing, 10,000 of the Asturians were driven to the intrenchments of the Romans, whom... whom they begged in the most moving manner to receive them on any terms they pleased. But Tiberius the emperor's son-in-law refusing to admit them into the camp, some of these unhappy people put an end to their lives by falling upon their own swords; others lighting great fires threw themselves into them, while some poisoned themselves by drinking the juice of a venomous herb.

The campaign being put an end to by winter, the next year the Asturians summoned all their strength and resolution against the Romans; but notwithstanding their utmost efforts of valour and despair, they were entirely defeated in a most bloody battle which lasted two days, and for that time entirely subdued. A few years afterwards they rebelled, in conjunction with the Cantabrians; but were soon reduced by the Romans, who massacred most of the young men that were capable of bearing arms. This did not prevent them from revolting anew in a short time afterwards; but without success, being obliged to submit to the Roman power, till the subversion of that empire by the Goths.