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 took the throne by defeating his rivals through tricky means.

After Jugurtha became king, Rome felt it needed to act because Numidia had been a loyal friend during the Punic Wars. This war was an important moment in how Rome began to control more of Northern Africa, although Numidia didn’t become fully part of the Roman empire until much later, in 46 BC.

The conflict showed the strength and cleverness of Rome as it grew into a bigger empire, and it is also remembered for the smart and tough ways 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 had Hiempsal killed and 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. Jugurtha then had Adherbal and many Romans killed. This made the Romans very angry, and they declared war on Jugurtha in 111 BC.

Bestia

Lucius Calpurnius Bestia, a Roman leader, was sent to lead soldiers in Africa against Jugurtha. He had help from experienced officers and an offer of help from Bocchus I, the king of Mauretania. When Bocchus switched sides to support Rome, Jugurtha became worried and agreed to give up. The Roman leaders allowed Jugurtha to keep his kingdom if he paid some money, gave up his war-elephants, and promised to be nice. But the deal was so easy that many Romans were angry.

Jugurtha was called to Rome to answer questions, but he paid two Roman leaders to stop the questioning. This made people even angrier. Jugurtha's cousin, Massiva, tried to take the throne but was killed by Jugurtha. Finally, the Romans decided enough was enough and told Jugurtha to leave Rome. The Roman army was sent 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 because of 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, where Jugurtha had set a trap. 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, when the Roman Senate heard about this, they refused to accept the treaty and kept fighting.

Metellus

After a Roman leader was defeated, 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. In the spring, he led his army into Numidia. The king of Numidia, Jugurtha, tried to talk to Metellus, but broke off the talks. Metellus followed Jugurtha into the desert and fought a battle at the Muthul River. Although Jugurtha tried to trap the Romans, Metellus’ forces won, though Jugurtha escaped.

Metellus tried to make Jugurtha fight again by surrounding the city of Zama, but Jugurtha refused to battle and used tricks to avoid fighting. Later, Metellus found Jugurtha and defeated him, forcing him to flee to a faraway fortress called Thala. Metellus followed and laid siege to 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 advanced into Numidia but did not declare war on Rome. Metellus began talks with Bocchus to hand over 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 angry 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 decided 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 problems with corruption in Rome at the time. Jugurtha, the king, could avoid punishment for his actions by paying off Roman officials. This showed that Rome's values were declining, as people sought power over what was best for the country.

The Roman writer Sallust wrote about the war in his book Bellum Jugurthinum. He believed this was an important event that helped lead to the end of the Roman Republic. Sallust and the writer Plutarch are important sources for learning about this war.