Syphax

For the Canadian mountain, see Mount Syphax.

Syphax was a king of the Berber tribe Masaesyles of western Numidia. Originally he was allied with the Romans against Carthage but his wife Sophonisba convinced him to do just the opposite and so during Scipio's campaign in North Africa, Syphax joined forces with Hasdrubal Gisco of the Carthaginians. In the Battle of Bagbrades of the Second Punic War, Syphax was threatened with desertion by his army when the Roman legionaries, commanded by Gaius Laelius and Masinissa (whom had left Scipio with his men to make for Utica) approached the Numidian battle line. In a brave attempt to rally his troops, according to Livy in Book 30, Chapter Twelve, Syphax rode alone, straight towards the Roman cavalry, but in this desperate attempt his badly wounded horse threw him off. Syphax was pounced upon immediately by Roman soldiers and taken to the ecstatic Masinissa. Syphax's troops retreated to the capital city which later fell as Masinissa claimed his kingdom for which he had been waiting to 'rightfully' take for many years. Syphax was delivered to Scipio Africanus and was taken as a prisoner, dying in Rome circa 203 / 202 BC.

The Tunisian city Sfax is said to be named after him.

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