In the fight for the throne of Numidia, Prince Jugurtha (around 160-104 BC) ignored all directives and admonitions from Rome for a long time – he was well connected there. But then he went too far. The war broke out.
When the Romans in 133 BC BC besieged the rebellious city of Numantia in Iberia, Commander Scipio Aemilianus Africanus demanded support from various allies. The Numidian ruler Micipsa also sent a contingent, led by his nephew Jugurtha. During this military campaign, the young prince was able to study the means by which the Roman Empire gained respect and permanently secured its rule: a mixture of long-term strategy, skilful tactics and merciless violence. He also got to know numerous Romans from the leading families, who would later prove to be valuable allies and supporters.
After Micipa’s death, Jugurtha systematically eliminated his rivals, the monarch’s two sons, although all three were supposed to share rule. He had to justify himself several times to Rome, even make promises to keep appointments. But Jugurtha still pursued his power plans. After the conquest of Cirta, the metropolis of Micipsa’s son Adherbal, Jugurtha not only had the competitor executed, but also the defenders of the city – including numerous Italians.
In addition, an economic problem increasingly came to the fore: The Numider Empire was the granary of the Roman Empire. Many Romans, members of the knighthood, had invested there, and the destruction during the Numidian power struggle destroyed a lot of money. For a while Jugurtha could still rely on his Roman networks to prevent a military reaction from Rome. 104 BC However, the decision was made: the ambitious Numid was turned from an ally into an enemy. He couldn’t win this fight.
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