Juba I (king of Numidia)

views updated

Juba I (jōō´bə), c.85 BC–46 BC, king of Numidia in N Africa. He joined Pompey's party and in 49 BC routed Caesar's legate, Curio. He fought on the side of Metellus Scipio and took his life after Caesar's victory at Thapsus. Despite his defeat, his son, Juba II, d. c.AD 20, was educated in Rome and reinstated as king, probably first in Numidia, then in Mauretania (c.25 BC). Augustus gave to him in marriage Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of Antony and Cleopatra. Highly learned, Juba II wrote lengthy historical and geographical works.