6th century BCE – 1st century BCE
North Africa between Carthaginian territory and the Moulouya
The Numidians were North African tribes occupying the region between Carthaginian territory and the river Moulouya. They entered alliances with Carthage and supplied troops, especially valued light cavalry, while also serving as individual mercenaries. Their political loyalty could shift during periods of Carthaginian weakness, as demonstrated during the campaigns of Agathokles and the wars against Rome.
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The Story
The Numidians occupied the broad zone between the direct Carthaginian possessions and the river Moulouya. Carthage incorporated many coastal Libyan communities west of its territory into alliances that required military service. The earliest evidence for such alliances dates from a campaign in 406 BC, although Numidians also entered Carthaginian service independently as mercenaries.
Numidian military participation was particularly important during the third century BC. Their light cavalry became one of the principal strengths of Carthaginian armies, while Numidian javelin-throwers were valued as light infantry. The extract also associates the Numidians with the supply of war chariots during the fifth and fourth centuries and with the capture of North African elephants for later military use.
The alliance was not permanently secure. Many Numidians joined Agathokles during his invasion of North Africa in 310–307 BC, and others participated in the mercenary conflict of 241–238 BC. During the Second Punic War, Numidian kings negotiated with both Rome and Carthage, and the defection of the chief Masinissa to Rome proved decisive in the defeat of the Punic army in North Africa in 202 BC.
6th century BCE – 1st century BCE
North Africa between Carthaginian territory and the Moulouya
The Numidians were North African tribes occupying the region between Carthaginian territory and the river Moulouya. They entered alliances with Carthage and supplied troops, especially valued light cavalry, while also serving as individual mercenaries. Their political loyalty could shift during periods of Carthaginian weakness, as demonstrated during the campaigns of Agathokles and the wars against Rome.
Continue exploring
The Story
The Numidians occupied the broad zone between the direct Carthaginian possessions and the river Moulouya. Carthage incorporated many coastal Libyan communities west of its territory into alliances that required military service. The earliest evidence for such alliances dates from a campaign in 406 BC, although Numidians also entered Carthaginian service independently as mercenaries.
Numidian military participation was particularly important during the third century BC. Their light cavalry became one of the principal strengths of Carthaginian armies, while Numidian javelin-throwers were valued as light infantry. The extract also associates the Numidians with the supply of war chariots during the fifth and fourth centuries and with the capture of North African elephants for later military use.
The alliance was not permanently secure. Many Numidians joined Agathokles during his invasion of North Africa in 310–307 BC, and others participated in the mercenary conflict of 241–238 BC. During the Second Punic War, Numidian kings negotiated with both Rome and Carthage, and the defection of the chief Masinissa to Rome proved decisive in the defeat of the Punic army in North Africa in 202 BC.
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