Masinissa

Masinissa, a Numidian prince of the 3rd century B.C., whose possessions on the borders of Carthage during the struggle of that state with the Romans enabled him to play an important game between the two powers. He first fought for Carthage in Spain against the Scipios, but in "206 he cast in his lot with the Romans. By the aid of Scipio he overcame his rival, Syphax, and firmly established himself. At the battle of Zama he commanded cavalry in Scipio's right wing, and his possession of all Numidia enabled him to harass Carthage and bring about the third Punic War, which crushed Carthage. He was an able ruler, and greatly advanced the good of his country.