Bocchus I

Bocchus I was a king from a long time ago. He ruled a North African land called Mauretania. This kingdom sat near the Atlantic Ocean and the Moulouya River. Bocchus was a leader who had to make very hard choices. He lived during a time of many wars. His life shows how kings had to deal with neighbors and strong lands like Rome.

Bocchus had a large family. He likely came from the family of King Baga. He had many wives and four known children. One daughter married a king named Jugurtha. Jugurtha ruled a nearby land called Numidia. Bocchus also had sons named Sosus, Bogud, and Volux. His son Mastanesosus later became the next king.

Around 108 BCE, a big war began between Rome and Numidia. At first, Bocchus did not pick a side. Jugurtha promised to give Bocchus one third of his land. Because of this, Bocchus joined the war to help Jugurtha. They fought against the Roman leader Gaius Marius. The allied forces lost at the Second Battle of Cirta in 106 BCE.

As the war went on, Bocchus changed his mind. He talked to a Roman man named Sulla. Bocchus sent messengers to the Roman Senate to talk. He then set a trap for his son-in-law, Jugurtha. Bocchus handed Jugurtha over to Sulla. The Romans and Bocchus then split the Numidian kingdom between them. Sulla even wore a gold ring that showed this moment.

Bocchus was also known for sending things to Rome. He sent exotic animals like lions and panthers. These animals were used for Roman shows. After Bocchus died, his grandson Bocchus II and his son Bogud ruled. They each took half of the Mauretanian kingdom. Later, the land became a client kingdom of Rome.