Mastanabal

Mastanabal was a king of the Massylii, a Numidian people in North Africa, who reigned during the second century BCE. He was a son of the famous Massinissa, the founder of the unified Numidian kingdom. Mastanabal's reign was primarily characterized by his involvement in the internal politics of Numidia and his relationship with the rising power of Rome.

Following the death of his father Massinissa around 148 BCE, Numidia was divided among his sons. Mastanabal, along with his brothers Micipsa and Gulussa, inherited a portion of the kingdom. While his brothers held more prominent roles, Mastanabal also exercised royal authority. Historical accounts suggest a period of relative peace and prosperity for Numidia during this time, with the kingdom largely allied with Rome.

Mastanabal's life and reign are primarily known through the writings of Roman historians like Polybius and Appian, who documented the Punic Wars and the subsequent Roman expansion. He is mentioned in relation to the events leading up to the Third Punic War, where Numidia played a crucial role in supporting Rome. The exact duration and specifics of Mastanabal's rule are not extensively detailed, but he appears to have been a figure of some consequence within the complex political landscape of North Africa in the Hellenistic period. His death is not precisely recorded, but he was succeeded by his brother Micipsa, who became the sole ruler of Numidia.