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Rome then resumed the war with Jugurtha. The consul Metellus was sent against him and won some important victories, but was unable to capture Jugurtha himself. By 106 B.C., Marius, who had served with distinction in Numidia, was elected and replaced Metellus. He also was successful in capturing Numidian towns and forts, but Jugurtha still eluded his capture. Eventually a lieutenant of Marius, by the name of Sulla, arranged an ambush with the cooperation of Bocchus, king of Mauretania. Sulla took credit for the capture, and this was the first disagreement between the two, that in years to come would grow into a cavernous rift.
Jugurtha was brought to Italy and imprisoned until finally in the year 104 B.C. he was led with his two sons through Rome in a triumph. The humiliation of such a dangerous enemy was of great interest to the Roman people, although he had apparently lost his mind by this time. He starved to death in a dark prison cell at the foot of Capitoline Hill within a week of the triumph.
Jugurtha serves in Spain with a Numidian force under Scipio Aemilianus. | |
Micipsa, king of Numidia died—Jugurtha assumes the throne after quarrels with other princes. | |
Jugurtha secures his claims to the throne with bribery, treachery, murder and double-dealing. | |
After years of treachery, Rome sends an army against Jugurtha, but he bribes his way to disgraceful peace. | |
Jugurtha goes to Rome to defend his conduct, but his visit is an opportunity to deliver more bribes. | |
Metellus is elected consul and sent to prosecute war with Jugurtha. | |
Marius replaces Metellus as commander. Jugurtha is captured in an ambush with the help of Sulla. | |
Jugurtha was presented in triumph of Marius. Went insane and died in prison dungeon. |
Jugurtha, King of Numidia in | The Story of the Romans by H. A. Guerber |
Caius Marius in | Our Young Folks' Plutarch by Rosalie Kaufman |
Gold of Jugurtha in | The Story of Rome by Mary Macgregor |
Gaius Marius Becomes Commander of the Army in | The Story of Rome by Mary Macgregor |
Jugurtha, the Purchaser of Rome in | Historical Tales: Roman by Charles Morris |
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![]() Jugurtha came to the tent of his father-in-law unarmed. in The Story of Rome |
Renowned general. Modernized legions. Waged a bloody feud with party of Sulla. | |
Defeated Mithradates in Greece. Marched on Rome, defeated the party of his enemy Marius. | |
Commanded troops in Numidia against Jugurtha. Enemy of Marius. | |
Bestia | First consul sent to oppose Jugurtha, was bribed and concluded a dishonorable peace. |
Bocchus | King of Mauretania, father-in-law and ally of Jugurtha—betrayed him, and cooperated in his capture. |