Juba II of Mauretania
Juba II of Mauretania, born around 50 BCE, was a prominent figure in the ancient world, raised in Rome after being taken there by Julius Caesar following his father's suicide. He was educated in a prominent household and married Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of Marc Antony and Cleopatra VII. In 25 BCE, Augustus appointed him as the king of Mauretania, a role he held until his death in 24 CE, during which he played a significant part in implementing Roman policies in northwest Africa. Juba II was not only a ruler but also an accomplished scholar, known for his writings on various subjects including Roman history, linguistics, and the arts. He undertook extensive explorations within his kingdom and beyond, producing a comprehensive account of North Africa. His advisory role to Gaius Caesar during an expedition to Arabia further underscored his influence and intellect, although many of his works, including "On Arabia," have not survived. Juba II's legacy is marked by his contributions to both scholarship and the Romanization of his territory.
Juba II of Mauretania
Related civilization: Early Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Scholar, political and military leader
Life
Juba II (JEW-buh) of Mauretania, brought to Rome in 46 b.c.e. by Julius Caesar after the suicide of his father, Juba I of Numidia, was raised in the household of Octavia and married Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of Marc Antony and Cleopatra VII. As a young man, he achieved fame as a scholar, writing on the history of Rome, linguistics, the theater, and painting. In 25 b.c.e., Augustus placed him on the throne of Mauretania, where he ruled until his death in 24 c.e., functioning as the implementer of Augustan policy in northwest Africa. He continued his scholarship, exploring his kingdom and beyond, and writing the definitive work on North Africa.
In 2 b.c.e., Juba became an adviser to Gaius Caesar on his journey to Arabia and Armenia. Traveling with the expedition, he wrote On Arabia (now lost), which examined the Arabian peninsula, the Red Sea regions, and the routes to India. Around 3 c.e., he returned home and made preparations for his son Ptolemy of Mauretania to succeed him, spending his last years in political and scholarly retirement.
Influence
In addition to being a major example of a king allied to Rome who brought Romanization to his territory, Juba II was one of the outstanding scholars of his era. The fragments of his works provide important information both about the early history of Rome and the southern extent of the known world, from West Africa to India.
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.