Juba II

Juba II was born to Juba I, the last king of Numidia, and his wife, Eurydice. He was part of the Numidian royal lineage.

Following the defeat of his father at the Battle of Thapsus, Juba II was taken to Rome as a hostage and raised in the household of Julius Caesar.

Juba II received a comprehensive education in Rome, studying under prominent Roman scholars and philosophers, which shaped his future as a scholar and ruler.

Juba II married Cleopatra Selene II, the daughter of Cleopatra VII of Egypt and Mark Antony, cementing an alliance and enhancing his political status.

Augustus appointed Juba II as the client king of Mauretania, a region encompassing parts of modern-day Algeria and Morocco, to stabilize the region.

Juba II founded and developed Caesarea Mauretaniae (modern Cherchell, Algeria) as the capital of his kingdom, a center of cultural and economic activity.

Juba II authored 'On the History of Africa,' a significant work that detailed the geography, natural history, and cultural practices of the region.

Juba II died in Caesarea Mauretaniae, leaving behind a legacy of cultural and scholarly achievements that significantly influenced the region.

Juba II fostered cultural and intellectual exchanges between Mauretania and Rome, inviting scholars and artists to his court and sending students to Rome.

Juba II established a library and museum in Caesarea Mauretaniae, which housed a vast collection of manuscripts and artifacts, attracting scholars from across the Mediterranean.

Juba II commissioned the construction of several temples, monuments, and public works in Caesarea Mauretaniae, including the Temple of Saturn and the Forum.

Juba II continued to implement cultural and political reforms, strengthening the administration and economy of Mauretania and promoting Romanization.

Juba II became a renowned patron of the arts and sciences, supporting poets, philosophers, and scientists, and creating a vibrant cultural environment in his court.