Viriato was an aristocrat, owner of several heads of cattle, who as a child, like all Lusitanians, had been a shepherd.
Later he became a hunter and then a warrior.
The lusitanos honored Viriato with the titles of Savior and Benefactor, similar to what used to happen to the kings of some peoples of Europe.
Not being the king of the Lusitanians, Viriato was nevertheless their leader during the time when these peoples united in the struggle against Rome.
His pastoral past was similar to that of the great leaders of other civilizations such as Romulus of Rome and David of Israel. This past conferred on them special qualities as rulers for the way they dealt and defended their peoples from any threats.
According to several historians, Viriato was a man who followed principles of honesty, fair and always complied with the treaties and alliances he made with other peoples.
Therefore, he detested the Romans who, several times, didn't comply with the agreements established between him and his representatives.
