Prince Adherbal of Numidia

Adherbal was the eldest legitimate son of King Micipsa and grandson of King Masinissa. Upon Micipsa's death in 118 BC, the kingdom was partitioned among Adherbal, his brother Hiempsal I, and his cousin Jugurtha. A man of peaceful temperament, civil administration, and diplomatic inclination, Adherbal sought to preserve the prosperity and urban development of Numidia.

When Jugurtha seized western lands and invaded Adherbal's territory, Adherbal retreated to the formidable natural fortress of Cirta (modern Constantine). He withstood an agonizing five-month siege while appealing to the Roman Senate. Captured when Italian traders surrendered the city in 112 BC, Adherbal was executed by Jugurtha, an outrage that compelled Rome to declare war.