Juba I of Numidia
Juba I of Numidia was a significant historical figure who reigned from 60 BCE to 46 BCE. The son of Hiempsal II, he became king of Numidia during a tumultuous period marked by Roman political strife. His ascent to power was not officially recognized by Rome until 49 BCE, despite his strong cultural ties to the Roman Empire. Juba I adopted Roman practices, aligning his coinage with Roman standards and initiating extensive building projects that reflected Roman architectural styles.
Throughout his reign, Juba aligned himself with Pompey the Great during the Roman civil wars, particularly after the Battle of Pharsalus, where Pompey's forces were decisively defeated. Following this defeat, Juba and the Roman officer Marcus Petreius sought refuge in his royal city but ultimately chose to end their lives rather than face capture. This tragic end exemplifies the complexities of loyalty and power during a time of upheaval. Juba I's legacy continued through his infant son, who would later become Juba II of Mauretania, highlighting the enduring connections between Numidia and the Roman world.
Juba I of Numidia
Related civilizations: Numidia, Republican Rome
Major role/position: Political and military leader
Life
Juba I (JEW-buh) of Numidia, the last of a long line of Numidian kings, was the son of Hiempsal II. As a young man, he was his father’s agent in Rome. In 63 b.c.e., he was publicly assaulted by Julius Caesar when the latter was supporting a rival claimaint to the Numidian throne.
Sometime between 62 and 50 b.c.e., Juba became king of Numidia, although Rome did not confirm his rule until 49 b.c.e. His cultural debt to Rome was strong, and he put his coinage onto the Roman standard, adopted Latin titulature, and initiated an elaborate Romanized building program. As Rome degenerated into civil war, Juba gravitated toward Pompey the Great. After the Battle of Pharsalus, Africa and Numidia became a major refugee center for Pompeians. Caesar landed in Africa in late 46 b.c.e., and within a few months, the Pompeians and Juba were defeated. Juba fled to his royal city of Zama with the Roman officer Marcus Petreius. Refused entry, they withdrew to a country estate and, after an elaborate banquet, killed each other, an event that became a moral paradigm. Caesar returned to Italy with Juba’s infant son, who became Juba II of Mauretania.
Influence
Juba I is a fine example of the Romanization of a prominent personality and his culture on the fringe of the Roman world. He played an important, although tragic, part in the Roman civil war.
Bibliography
Braund, David. Rome and the Friendly King: The Character of the Client Kingship. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1984.
Fage, J. D. A History of Africa. New York: Routledge, 1995.