Algeria Through Time
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Numidian Era

Syphax

Ancient / Numidia

Leaders & StatesmenAncient Numidia (c. 215โ€“203 BC)Oran / West

He died in Roman captivity, ending the western Numidian kingdom as an independent power.

Historical significance

His rivalry with Massinissa shaped the unification of Numidia and the outcome of the Second Punic War in North Africa.

Their story

King of the Masaesyli in western Numidia, Syphax balanced for a time between Rome and Carthage, marrying into Carthaginian nobility before being defeated and captured by Massinissa's allies.

Did you know?

He died in Roman captivity, ending the western Numidian kingdom as an independent power.

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Provenance & Sources

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