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by Nic Fields.
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 96 pages. 2025.
Subtitle: Rome’s Long War in North Africa
Sallust’s ancient text forms the basis of what we know about Rome’s Numidian war. Jugurtha killed off his two half-brothers to secure the throne of his North African kingdom, but he went too far in trying to secure and expand it.
That led to confrontation with Rome, but Jugurtha was smart enough to bribe senators and generals to keep Rome at bay for quite a while. Even when losing a largely guerrilla war, he was able to pay off the reparation amount and still maintain independence.
Then he went far too far and Rome sent the incorruptible Marius, who prosecuted the war with single-minded fervor. A couple of stand-up fights and many ambushes later, even he was unable to bring the wily Numidian king to submission. Marius hit upon a simple scheme: bribe the Numidian second in command Bocchus. Jugurtha was soon brought back in chains for the Roman triumph.
The booklet contains four black and white photos, 56 color photos, three color illustrations, five color maps, two of the less-than-useful 3D color battle maps, and two color two-page action illustrations.
Rome confirmed that Bocchus would become a king of half of Jugurtha’s original kingdom, with Rome taking the other half.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
