Quintus Cæcilius Metellus, the consul, [Y. R. 643. B. C. 109,] defeated
Jugurtha, in two battles, and ravaged all Numidia. Marcus Junius
Silanus, the consul, fought unsuccessfully against the Cimbrians. The
Cimbrian ambassadors petitioning the senate for a settlement and lands,
were refused. [Y. R. 644. B. C. 108.] Marcus Minucius, the proconsul,
vanquished the Thracians. Cassius, the consul, with his army, was cut
off by the Tigurine Gauls, in the country of the Helvetians. The
soldiers who survived that unfortunate action stipulated for their
lives, by giving hostages, and delivering up half their property.