1. Syphax was a king of the Masaesyli tribe of western Numidia during the last quarter of the 3rd century BC.
10 Facts About Syphax
1. 2.
Syphax's story is told in Livy's Ab Urbe Condita.
3.
Syphax ruled over a territory extending from present day Constantine to Moulouya.
4.
Syphax then attacked the rival tribe of eastern Numidians, the Massylians, ruled by King Gala, who at that time were allied to the Carthaginians.
5.
When Gala died in 206BC, his sons Masinissa and Oezalces quarreled about the inheritance, and Syphax was able to conquer considerable parts of the eastern Numidian kingdom.
6.
Syphax refused to ratify any treaty except with Scipio, so Scipio sailed with two quinqueremes to meet with Syphax, taking a considerable risk in doing so.
7.
Syphax invited both to dinner, where both Syphax and Gisco were taken in by Scipio's charm.
8.
Syphax was pounced upon immediately by Roman soldiers and taken to the ecstatic Masinissa.
9.
Syphax's troops retreated to the capital city which later fell as Masinissa claimed his kingdom.
10.
Syphax was delivered to Scipio and was taken back to Rome as a prisoner.