Numidians

The Numidians were divided between two great tribal confederations: the Massylii, led by Masinissa in eastern Numidia, and the Masaesyli, ruled by Syphax in the west. Renowned for their superb light cavalry, Numidian horsemen were among the finest skirmishers of the ancient world, using speed, mobility, and javelin tactics to great effect on the battlefield. During the Second Punic War, the two kingdoms found themselves on opposing sides. The Massylii initially allied with Carthage, while the Masaesyli supported Rome, before both kingdoms changed allegiances in 206 BC. Following Carthage's defeat in 201 BC, Rome rewarded Masinissa by granting him the lands of the defeated Masaesyli, creating a powerful Numidian kingdom stretching from Mauretania to Cyrenaica and surrounding Carthage on every side except the sea. These Numidian miniatures are perfect for recreating the armies of the Punic Wars, whether fighting alongside Carthaginians or Romans, and make an excellent addition to any ancient historical wargaming collection.