Quick Facts

Resistance against Roman expansion
Jugurthine War
Strategic alliances and betrayals

Defiant king Jugurtha: Rome's North African headache, undone by betrayal.

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Life Journey

160 BCBorn in Numidia

Jugurtha was born as an illegitimate son of Mastanabal.

145 BCRaised by King Micipsa

Jugurtha was adopted and educated by his uncle, King Micipsa.

134 BCServed at Numantia

Jugurtha led Numidian cavalry in the Roman siege of Numantia.

133 BCGained Roman connections

Jugurtha cultivated relationships with influential Romans.

118 BCBecame co-ruler of Numidia

Upon Micipsa death, Jugurtha became co-ruler with his cousins.

117 BCAssassinated Hiempsal

Jugurtha had his cousin Hiempsal murdered.

112 BCDefeated and killed Adherbal

Jugurtha besieged and killed Adherbal at Cirta.

111 BCBribed Roman officials

Jugurtha repeatedly bribed Roman commanders and senators.

109 BCWar with Metellus

Rome sent Quintus Caecilius Metellus to conquer Numidia.

107 BCGuerrilla warfare

Jugurtha adopted guerrilla tactics.

105 BCAllied with Bocchus

Jugurtha allied with his father-in-law Bocchus.

105 BCBetrayed by Bocchus

Bocchus betrayed Jugurtha to Sulla.

104 BCExecuted in Rome

Jugurtha was executed by strangulation in the Tullianum prison.

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