From 3rd century BCE
North Africa, between Carthage and the Moulouya
The Kingdom of Numidia emerged as a major North African power under Masinissa after the Roman victory over Carthage. Centred on Cirta, it incorporated much of Syphax’s former territory and expanded agricultural production while preserving stock-rearing. Its political development reflected prolonged interaction with Carthage and participation in Carthaginian wars. The excerpt presents Masinissa’s rule as a decisive force in the economic transformation of the Maghrib.
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The Story
Numidia became increasingly important as its tribes developed larger political units and acquired military strength through repeated service in Carthage’s wars. The principal groups described are the Masaesyli, associated with Syphax, and the Massyli, led first by Gaia and later by his son Masinissa. Their shifting alliances were decisive during the final phase of the war between Carthage and Rome.
After the Roman victory at Zama, Masinissa received the eastern and more fertile parts of Syphax’s territory. From Cirta, identified with Constantine, he ruled lands extending westward toward the new Carthaginian boundary, while the less developed region between his kingdom and the Moulouya remained under Syphax’s son. Masinissa had been educated at Carthage and used knowledge of Carthaginian civilization to strengthen his own territory.
Ancient writers credited Masinissa with substantially increasing Numidian agricultural production and converting nomads into farmers, although the excerpt considers that formulation exaggerated. It nevertheless accepts a significant expansion of cereal cultivation and the creation of exportable surplus, even while stock-rearing continued to predominate. Cirta grew into a genuine city, though the population figure attributed to Masinissa’s son is judged a gross exaggeration.
From 3rd century BCE
North Africa, between Carthage and the Moulouya
The Kingdom of Numidia emerged as a major North African power under Masinissa after the Roman victory over Carthage. Centred on Cirta, it incorporated much of Syphax’s former territory and expanded agricultural production while preserving stock-rearing. Its political development reflected prolonged interaction with Carthage and participation in Carthaginian wars. The excerpt presents Masinissa’s rule as a decisive force in the economic transformation of the Maghrib.
Continue exploring
The Story
Numidia became increasingly important as its tribes developed larger political units and acquired military strength through repeated service in Carthage’s wars. The principal groups described are the Masaesyli, associated with Syphax, and the Massyli, led first by Gaia and later by his son Masinissa. Their shifting alliances were decisive during the final phase of the war between Carthage and Rome.
After the Roman victory at Zama, Masinissa received the eastern and more fertile parts of Syphax’s territory. From Cirta, identified with Constantine, he ruled lands extending westward toward the new Carthaginian boundary, while the less developed region between his kingdom and the Moulouya remained under Syphax’s son. Masinissa had been educated at Carthage and used knowledge of Carthaginian civilization to strengthen his own territory.
Ancient writers credited Masinissa with substantially increasing Numidian agricultural production and converting nomads into farmers, although the excerpt considers that formulation exaggerated. It nevertheless accepts a significant expansion of cereal cultivation and the creation of exportable surplus, even while stock-rearing continued to predominate. Cirta grew into a genuine city, though the population figure attributed to Masinissa’s son is judged a gross exaggeration.
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