- Bocchus I
Bocchus (Greek: Βοκχος, "Bochos") was a King of
Mauretania about110 BC and designated byhistorian s as Bocchus I. He was also the father-in-law ofJugurtha , with whom he made war against the Romans. He delivered Jugurtha to the Romans in106 BC .In
108 BC , he vacillated between Jugurtha and the Romans, and joined Jugurtha only on his promising him the third part of his kingdom. The two kings were twice defeated. Bocchus again made overtures to the Romans, and after an interview with Sulla, who wasGaius Marius 'sQuaestor at that time, sent ambassadors to Rome. At Rome the hope of an alliance was encouraged, but on condition that Bocchus showed himself deserving of it. After further negotiations with Sulla, he finally agreed to send a message to Jugurtha requesting his presence. Jugurtha fell into the trap and was given up to Sulla. Bocchus concluded a treaty with the Romans, and a portion ofNumidia was added to his kingdom. Further to conciliate the Romans and especially Sulla, he sent to the Capitol a group of Victories guarding a device in gold showing Bocchus handing over Jugurtha to Sulla.Bochus I was the father of
Bocchus II , who died in33 BC , after which his kingdom became a Roman province.ource books
* Sallust., "Jugurtha", 80-120
* Plutarch, "Marius", 8-32
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