Jugurthine War

The Jugurthine War (Latin: Bellum Iugurthinum; 111–105 BC) was a war between the Roman Republic and King Jugurtha of Numidia, a kingdom on the north African coast roughly matching modern-day Algeria. Jugurtha was the nephew and adopted son of Micipsa, the king of Numidia, and became king by defeating his rivals.

After Jugurtha became king, Rome decided to act because Numidia had been a loyal friend during the Punic Wars. This war was an important time for Rome as it started to control more of Northern Africa. The conflict showed the strength of Rome as it grew into a bigger empire, and it is also remembered for how Jugurtha fought back.

Jugurtha and Numidia

Numidia was a kingdom in North Africa, roughly where Algeria is today. It was next to Carthage, who were often Rome's enemies. King Masinissa, a good friend of Rome, died in 149 BC. His son Micipsa became king and ruled until 118 BC.

Micipsa had three possible heirs: his two sons, Adherbal and Hiempsal I, and his nephew Jugurtha, who was born outside of marriage. Jugurtha had learned Roman ways and fighting styles while serving with Roman soldiers. Micipsa worried Jugurtha might take the kingdom, so he adopted him and made him a co-king with his two sons. After Micipsa died, the three could not agree on how to share the land. Jugurtha started a war against the other two. He forced Adherbal to run to Rome for help.

The Romans tried to settle things but were bribed by Jugurtha. He took the richer part of Numidia. In 113 BC, Jugurtha attacked Adherbal again. With Roman help, Adherbal held out for a while but was finally forced to give up. This made the Romans very angry, and they declared war on Jugurtha in 111 BC.

Bestia

Lucius Calpurnius Bestia was a Roman leader sent to fight Jugurtha in Africa. He had help from experienced officers and support from Bocchus I, the king of Mauretania. When Bocchus decided to help Rome, Jugurtha became worried and agreed to give up. The Romans let Jugurtha keep his kingdom if he paid money, gave up his war-elephants, and promised to behave. But many Romans were upset because the deal was too easy.

Jugurtha was called to Rome to answer questions. He paid two Roman leaders to stop the questions, which made people even angrier. Jugurtha's cousin, Massiva, tried to take the throne but was killed by Jugurtha. Finally, the Romans told Jugurtha to leave Rome and sent their army back to fight him in Numidia.

Spurius, Aulus Postumius

The consul Spurius Postumius Albinus led the Roman army in Africa in 110 BC but did not act strongly. There were mistakes, problems in his army, and claims that Jugurtha had bribed him. Later that year, Albinus went back to Italy and gave command to his brother, Aulus Postumius Albinus.

Aulus decided to make a bold move and marched in the middle of winter to surround the town of Suthul, where Numidia’s treasure was kept. However, the town was well-protected and could not be taken.

Aulus then followed Jugurtha into the wild lands of the Sahara. The Romans were caught off guard, and many were killed. The remaining soldiers had to walk under a yoke as a sign of defeat. Aulus agreed to a peace treaty that made Jugurtha the king of all Numidia. However, the Roman Senate refused to accept the treaty and kept fighting.

Metellus

After a Roman leader lost a battle, the Roman Senate chose a new commander for Africa: Quintus Metellus. He was known for being honest and brave. Metellus picked his officers based on skill, not just rank.

Metellus arrived in Africa in 109 BC. He first trained his army and made it follow rules. Later, he led his army into Numidia. The king of Numidia, Jugurtha, tried to talk to Metellus, but stopped the talks. Metellus followed Jugurtha into the desert and fought a battle at the Muthul River. Even though Jugurtha tried to trap the Romans, Metellus’ forces won, but Jugurtha escaped.

Metellus tried to make Jugurtha fight again by surrounding the city of Zama, but Jugurtha refused to fight and used tricks to avoid battle. Later, Metellus found Jugurtha and defeated him, forcing him to run away to a faraway fortress called Thala. Metellus followed and surrounded the fortress, which fell after forty days, but Jugurtha escaped again.

Jugurtha then went to his father-in-law, King Bocchus I of Mauretania, who moved into Numidia but did not declare war on Rome. Metellus began talks with Bocchus to capture Jugurtha, but before an agreement could be made, Metellus was removed from his command by the Roman Tribal Assembly and replaced by Gaius Marius. Metellus was upset about this change and made it hard for Marius by sending his legions back to Italy.

Marius

When Gaius Marius arrived in Numidia in 107 BC, he chose to fight instead of negotiating. Marius moved through Numidia, taking small towns and fortresses to try to get King Jugurtha to fight in an open battle. Jugurtha refused, so Marius continued to occupy towns and build strong positions.

Marius led his army on a dangerous march through the desert to the town of Capsa. After the town surrendered, he moved far west and captured a fortress where Jugurtha had stored treasure. Meanwhile, Jugurtha's supporters recaptured the city of Cirta.

Marius's actions brought the Roman army close to the lands of King Bocchus of Mauretania, who then joined the fight against Rome. Near Serif, Marius was surprised by a large army of Numidians and Mauretanians led by both kings. Marius and his main force were trapped on a hill, but they managed to defend themselves until evening. The next morning, the Romans attacked the enemy camp before dawn and defeated them completely.

The Romans then marched east to retake Cirta and set up camp for the winter. Though the African kings tried to attack again, they were defeated. Marius then began talks with King Bocchus. With help from Lucius Cornelius Sulla, Bocchus agreed to capture Jugurtha and hand him over to the Romans. Jugurtha was taken to Rome, where he was kept in prison and later executed.

Revelations

The Jugurthine War showed that there were problems in Rome. Jugurtha, the king, could avoid trouble by paying Roman officials. This showed that Rome's values were changing, as some people wanted power more than what was best for the country.

The Roman writer Sallust wrote about the war in his book Bellum Jugurthinum. He thought this was an important event. Sallust and the writer Plutarch are important for learning about this war.