Micipsa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Micipsa |
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Tridrachm of Micipsa
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| King of Numidia | |
| Reign | 148 BC – 118 BC |
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| Father | Masinissa |
Micipsa (Numidian: MKWSN; died around 118 BC) was the oldest son of Masinissa, who was the King of Numidia. Numidia was a Berber kingdom in North Africa. Micipsa became the King of Numidia in 148 BC.
Contents
Early Life and Challenges
In 151 BC, King Masinissa sent Micipsa and his brother Gulussa to Carthage. Their goal was to ask for the return of politicians who supported Numidia but were exiled. However, they were not allowed to enter the city. As they were leaving, a group of people attacked Micipsa's convoy, and some of his helpers were hurt. This event led to a fight back against the Carthaginian town of Oroscopa. This conflict started the Carthaginian–Numidian War, which eventually led to the Third Punic War.
Becoming King of Numidia
In the spring of 148 BC, King Masinissa passed away. His kingdom was then divided among his three sons: Micipsa, Gulussa, and Mastanabal. This division was handled by Publius Cornelius Scipio Aemilianus, whom Masinissa had trusted with this task.
Micipsa received the capital city of Numidia, Cirta. This included the royal palace and the treasury. Gulussa was put in charge of war matters, and Mastanabal managed justice.
The sons continued their father's policy of supporting Rome during its war against Carthage. Micipsa was a bit slow to offer help to Rome, often promising aid but waiting to see what would happen. In 146 BC, Carthage was destroyed by the Romans. Soon after, Gulussa died, and later Mastanabal also passed away. This left Micipsa in control of the entire kingdom.
During Micipsa's time as king, Numidia grew culturally and commercially. Thousands of Carthaginians moved to Numidia after Rome destroyed their city. Micipsa was also the first to make Iol (which is now Cherchell, Algeria) the main capital for the Numidian court.
Family and Roman Alliance
Micipsa had two sons, Hiempsal and Adherbal. He also brought his nephew Jugurtha into his royal household. Jugurtha was treated like a son and received excellent military training.
Micipsa remained a loyal friend to Rome, providing military help whenever asked. In 142 BC, a Roman commander asked Micipsa for war elephants to help fight a rebel leader named Viriathus. In 134 BC, Micipsa sent archers, slingers, and elephants to help Scipio Aemilianus. They were attacking Numantia in Spain, and Micipsa sent Jugurtha to lead the Numidian soldiers.
After Numantia was defeated, Jugurtha returned home with a letter from Scipio for Micipsa. In the letter, Scipio praised Jugurtha's bravery and congratulated Micipsa for having "a relative worthy of yourself, and of his grandfather Masinissa." Because of this strong recommendation, Micipsa officially adopted Jugurtha. He made Jugurtha a co-heir with his own sons.
Micipsa's Death
In 118 BC, Micipsa died. Following his wishes, the kingdom of Numidia was divided into three parts. These parts were then ruled by Adherbal, Hiempsal, and Jugurtha.
See also
In Spanish: Micipsa para niños
