Numidia Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Kingdom of Numidia

202 BC–46 BC

Map of Numidia

Capital

Cirta

Common languages

Numidian, Latin, Punic

Government

Monarchy

King

• 202-148 BC

Masinissa

• 60-46 BC

Juba I of Numidia

Historical era

Antiquity

• Established

202 BC

• Annexed by the Roman Republic

46 BC

Preceded by

Succeeded by

Ancient Carthage

Roman Republic
Mauretania

Today part of

Algeria

Tunisia

Numidia was an ancient kingdom in North Africa. It existed from 202 BC to 46 BC. This powerful kingdom was located in what is now Algeria and parts of western Tunisia. Numidia was the first major state created by the Berber people. It played an important role in the history of the region.

Where Was Numidia Located?
The Rise of Numidia
- Masinissa Unites Numidia
- Masinissa's Long Reign
Numidia and the Roman Republic
- The Jugurthine War
- Numidia Becomes a Roman Province
What Was Life Like in Numidia?
Legacy of Numidia
Images for kids
See also

Where Was Numidia Located?

Numidia was in North Africa, west of Ancient Carthage. Its land stretched across modern-day Algeria. It also included a smaller part of western Tunisia. This area was known for its fertile lands and strategic location.

The Rise of Numidia

Before becoming a kingdom, the Numidian people were divided into two main groups. These were the Massylii and the Masaesyli. They often fought with each other. They also sometimes allied with or fought against Carthage and Rome.

Masinissa Unites Numidia

The kingdom of Numidia was formed in 202 BC. This happened during the Second Punic War. A great leader named Masinissa united the Numidian tribes. He sided with Rome against Carthage. Masinissa helped Rome win important battles. After the war, Rome rewarded him. They made him the king of a united Numidia.

Masinissa's Long Reign

King Masinissa ruled Numidia for over 50 years. He was a very strong and wise leader. He helped Numidia grow into a powerful state. He encouraged farming and trade. He also built up the Numidian army. Under his rule, Numidia became a respected kingdom. It was a key player in North African politics.

Numidia and the Roman Republic

Numidia had a complex relationship with the Roman Republic. Sometimes they were allies. Other times, they were enemies.

The Jugurthine War

After Masinissa, his grandsons ruled Numidia. One of them was Jugurtha. He wanted to rule all of Numidia. This led to a long war with Rome from 112 BC to 105 BC. This conflict is known as the Jugurthine War. Jugurtha was a skilled military leader. He caused many problems for the Roman army. However, Rome eventually defeated him.

Numidia Becomes a Roman Province

Numidia continued to exist as a kingdom for some time. It often found itself caught between powerful Roman leaders. In 46 BC, during a Roman civil war, the last king of Numidia, Juba I, sided with Pompey the Great. Pompey lost the war to Julius Caesar. As a result, Caesar annexed Numidia. It became a Roman province called Africa Nova. This marked the end of Numidia as an independent kingdom.

What Was Life Like in Numidia?

Numidia was a land of farmers and warriors. The people were mostly Berbers. They spoke the Numidian language. They also used Punic and later Latin. The capital city was Cirta. It was a large and important city. Numidians were known for their excellent cavalry. Their horsemen were famous in ancient warfare.

Legacy of Numidia

Even after becoming a Roman province, the Numidian culture remained. Many Numidian cities continued to thrive. The legacy of Numidia can still be seen today. It is an important part of the history of Algeria and Tunisia. It shows the strength and resilience of the Berber people.