Bocchus II

Bocchus II was king of Mauretania. Son of Bocchus I (Sosus of Mauretania Mastanesosus), who was dead in 49 BC. In the early years of Bocchus's reign, Mauretania was jointly ruled between Bocchus and his younger brother Bogud, with Bocchus ruling east of the Mulucha River and his brother west. As enemies of the senatorial party, their title was recognized by Julius Caesar (49 BC). During the African war they invaded Numidia and conquered Cirta, the capital of the kingdom of Juba, who was thus obliged to abandon the idea of joining Metellus Scipio against Caesar. At the end of the war, Caesar bestowed upon Bocchus part of the territory of Massinissa, Juba's ally, which was recovered by Massinissa's son Arabion after Caesar's murder.

Dio Cassius says that Bocchus sent his sons to support Sextus Pompeius in Spain, while Bogud fought on the side of Caesar, and there is no doubt that after Caesar's death Bocchus supported Octavian, and Bogud Antony.

During Bogud's absence in Spain, his brother seized the whole of Numidia, and was confirmed sole ruler by Octavian. After his death in 33, Numidia was made a Roman province.

Notes

References

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Bocchus II". Encyclopædia Britannica 4 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.  This cites:
  • Bell. Afric, 25
  • Dio Cassius xli. 42, xliii. 36, xlviii. 45
  • Appian, Bell Civ. ii. 96, iv. 54.