Micipsa

Micipsa was a Numidian king who ruled from 148 BC to 118 BC. He was the eldest son of Masinissa, the founder of the unified Numidian kingdom, and Sophonisba. Micipsa inherited his father's throne after Masinissa's death and continued his father's policy of maintaining Numidian independence and prosperity, often through alliances with Rome.

During his reign, Micipsa focused on internal development and strengthening his kingdom. He fostered agriculture and trade, and is credited with promoting Hellenistic culture within Numidia. He also continued to build up Numidia's formidable cavalry, a key military asset.

Micipsa had three sons: Masinissa, Jugurtha, and Mastanabal. In his will, he stipulated that his kingdom should be divided equally among his sons and his nephew, Hiempsal. However, this division led to immediate conflict. Jugurtha, the most ambitious of the brothers, murdered Hiempsal and then defeated and killed Masinissa, ultimately seizing control of the entire kingdom. This usurpation marked the beginning of the Jugurthine War, a conflict that would draw Rome deeply into Numidian affairs. Micipsa's reign, though initially stable, ultimately laid the groundwork for the internal strife that would plague Numidia after his death.