Juba II

Juba II (Iuba in Latin; Ιóβας (Ιóβα) or Ιουβας in Greek)Roller, Duane W. (2003) The World of Juba II and Kleopatra Selene "Routledge (UK)". p. 1-3. ISBN 0-415-30596-9. or Juba II of Numidia (52-50 BC - AD 23 ) was a king of Numidia and then later moved to Mauretania. His first wife was Cleopatra Selene (II), the last Ptolemaic Monarch and only daughter to Greek Ptolemaic Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt and Roman triumvir Mark Antony.

Early life

Juba II was the only child and heir to King Juba I of Numidia, (a king of Berber descent from North Africa). His mother is unknown. In 46 BC, his father committed suicide as he was defeated by Julius Caesar (in Thapsus, North Africa) and Numidia became a Roman Province. His father was an ally to the Roman General Pompey the Great. Juba II claimed to be a descendant to the sister of General Hannibal (Scol. Lucan, Pharsalia 8.287).

Juba II was brought to Rome by Julius Caesar and took part in Caesar's triumphal procession. In Rome, he learned Latin and Greek, became romanized and was granted Roman citizenship. Through dedication to his studies, he is said to have become one of Rome's best educated citizens, and by the age of 20 he wrote one his first works entitled Roman Archaeology. He was raised by Julius Caesar and later by his great-nephew Octavius (future Caesar Augustus). He fought alongside Octavius in the battle of Actium in 31 BC.

Restored to the Throne

Augustus restored Juba II as the king of Numidia between 29 and 27 BC. Juba II established Numidia as an ally of Rome. Between 26-20 BC, Augustus arranged for him to marry Cleopatra Selene (II), giving her a large dowry and appointing her queen.

Juba II and Cleopatra did not enjoy a long rule over Numidia. The fact that Juba II was romanized to such a great degree alienated the local population, and caused enough civil unrest to force Juba II and Cleopatra to leave Numidia for Mauretania.

Mauretania

When they moved to Mauretania, they renamed their capital Iol to Caesaria (modern Cherchell, Algeria). The construction and sculpture projects at Caesaris and another city Volubillis, display a rich mixture of Egyptian, Greek and Roman architectural styles.

Cleopatra is said to have exerted considerable influence on Juba II's policies. Juba II encouraged and supported the performing arts, research of the sciences and research of natural history.

Juba II also supported Mauretanian trade. Mauretania traded all over the Mediterranean, particularly with Spain and Italy. Mauretania exported fish, grapes, pearls, figs, grain, wooden furniture and purple die harvested from certain shellfish, which was used in the manufacture of purple stripes for senatorial robes. Also, the value and quality of Mauretanian coins became distinguished. The Greek historian Plutarch describes him as ‘one of the most gifted rulers of his time.'

Between 19 and 21, Juba II made his son Ptolemy co-ruler and Juba II died in 23. Juba II was buried alongside his first wife in their mausoleum. Ptolemy reigned until 40, when his second cousin, the Emperor Caligula, murdered him on a visit to Rome.

After the murder of King Ptolemy in Rome, the Numidians from their outrage, started to revolt against Rome. A former freeman of Ptolemy started the revolt. After the revolt ended in 44, the Roman Emperor Claudius divided the Mauretanian Kingdom into two Roman provinces which were Mauretania Tingitana and Mauretania Caesariensis.

Marriages and Children

First marriage to Cleopatra Selene (II) (40 BC - 6 AD)

Children:
*Cleopatra of Mauretania, a possible daughter
*Ptolemy of Mauretania (1 BC - 40 AD)
*Drusilla of Mauretania (born 5)

Second marriage to Glaphyra (a Cappodocian Princess and daughter of King Archelaus). Her first husband died and he was Alexander (a grandson of Herod the Great) and divorced Juba II to marry Archelaus (another grandson of Herod the Great).

No children

Author

Juba II wrote a number of books in Greek on history, natural history, geography, grammar and theatre. His guide to Arabia became a bestseller in Rome. Only fragments of his work survived. He collected a substantial library on a wide variety of topics, which no doubt complemented his own prolific output.

Pliny the Elder refers to him as an authority 65 times in the Natural History; and in Athens, a monument was built in recognition of his writings.

Natural History

According to Pliny the Younger, Juba II sent an expedition to the Canary Islands and Madeira.O'Brien, Sally and Sarah Andrews. (2004) Lonely Planet Canary Islands "Lonely Planet". p. 59. ISBN 1-74059-374-X.

Among his discoveries, he discovered a medicinal plant name Euphorbia regis jubae (‘euphorbia king juba' is a genus of the spurge family). The genus of the Chile Cocopalm or Honey Palm is named ‘Jubaea Chilensis‘, after him for his interests and writings on botany. The sap of the Chile Cocopalm is used in the making of wine and sugar.

Juba II: Encyclopedia BETA

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