Pergamum was an ancient city of Mysia on the Caicus, fifteen miles from
the sea. It first became important after the death of Alexander. Its
first king, Attalus I. (241-197), added a large territory to the city.
He was an ally of the Romans, and his successors remained their firm
friends. The city became one of the most prosperous and famous in Asia
Minor, noted for its architectural monuments, its fine library, and
its schools. Attalus III., at his death in 133, bequeathed to Rome his
kingdom, which included Lydia, Pisidia, Lycaonia, and Pamphylia. It was
made a province under the name of ASIA.
THE WAR WITH JUGURTHA.
After the destruction of Carthage, the most important kingdom in Africa
was NUMIDIA. It contained a number of flourishing towns, which were
centres of a considerable commerce. Masinissa left this kingdom to his
son Micipsa. The latter had two sons and a nephew, JUGURTHA. The nephew
was a brilliant young man, who had served under Scipio in the Numantine
war, and returned to Africa covered with honors. He was named joint heir
with his cousins to the kingdom of Numidia. Micipsa dying soon after,
Jugurtha murdered one of his cousins, Hiempsal, claimed the whole
kingdom, and attacked his other cousin, Adherbal, who appealed to
Rome. Commissioners were sent to investigate. They were bought off by
Jugurtha, and returned home without accomplishing anything. Adherbal was
afterwards captured, savagely tortured, and finally killed.
The Senate, compelled by the popular indignation to make an
investigation, moved so slowly that some of its members were accused of
accepting bribes. War was declared at last, but the campaign languished,
and peace was soon made on such easy terms for the prince that it was
evident his money had again been freely used. The scandalous transaction
was denounced at Rome by the Tribune MEMMIUS. Jugurtha then repaired to
the city in person, and bought up all the authorities except Memmius,
whom he found incorruptible. He had another cousin in the city, whom he
caused to be murdered. After this the Senate ordered him to leave, and
as he departed, it is said he exclaimed, "Venal city, destined soon to
perish, if a purchaser be found!"
War was now begun in earnest (110), but resulted in a crushing defeat
of the Romans, whose army was sent under the yoke. Humiliated by
the defeat, the Senate in the following year sent QUINTUS CAECILIUS
METELLUS, nephew of Metellus Macedonicus, to take charge of the war. He
was a man of integrity, with some experience as an officer, and a rigid
aristocrat. Realizing the danger of failure, he took with him as his
lieutenant the ablest soldier that he could find, GAIUS MARIUS.
Marius, born at Arpinum in 157, was the son of a farmer, and was
himself bred to the plough. He joined the army at an early age, and soon
attracted notice for his punctual performance of all duties, and his
strictness in discipline. He was present at the siege of Numantia, and
his courage caused Scipio to predict for him a brilliant career. He soon
rose to be Military Tribune. In 119 he was chosen Tribune of the People,
and two years later Praetor. The fact that he was respected and valued
in high circles is shown by his subsequent marriage into the family of
the Caesars. By this marriage with Julia, the aunt of Julius Caesar, he
became a person of social distinction.
The campaign was moderately successful. Jugurtha was defeated near the
river Muthul, and made to retire into the desert, where his stronghold,
Thala, was captured. He sued for peace, but, as unconditional surrender
was demanded, he still held out. The popular party at Rome, irritated
that such a petty prince should give so much trouble, demanded that
Marius should be made Consul and have charge of the war. When the
lieutenant asked Metellus for leave of absence to enable him to be
present at the elections, as was necessary according to the law, his
general ridiculed the idea, and told him to wait another twenty years.
He went, however, and was elected in 107, being the first plebeian
chosen to that office for more than a century.
Metellus was recalled, enjoyed a triumph, and received the agnomen of
NUMIDICUS.
Marius was every inch a soldier. He saw that the Roman legions must be
reorganized and better disciplined. He enlisted men who had no other
occupation, that they might become professional soldiers. Some men of
rank who had a taste for war also went with him. Among these was a young
patrician, CORNELIUS SULLA. With this army Marius soon wrested from
Jugurtha all his strongholds. In less than two years the war was over.
By his ally, Bocchus, King of Mauritania, Jugurtha was betrayed (106)
into the hands of Sulla, who was acting as the Quaestor of Marius.
The western portion of Numidia was given to Bocchus as the reward of
his treachery, while the remainder continued to be governed by native
princes, until the civil war between Caesar and Pompey. In 104 Marius
returned home, and entered Rome in triumph. Jugurtha was thrown into a
dungeon, and there starved to death.