This list covers the two North African kingdoms of Mauretania (modern Morocco) and Numidia (modern Algeria) from just before the first Roman mission arrived to train King Syphax’s Numidian infantry in 213 BC until the suppression of the Numidian deserter Tacfarinas’ revolt of 15-24 AD. It can also be used from 309 BC to provide allied contingents. Mauretania retained nominal independence until 44 AD and is covered in list II/57. The strength of their armies lay in superb light horsemen riding without saddle or bridle and armed with javelins and a small shield. They became a valued part of the Roman army until absorbed in the new “Illyrian” cavalry type in the 4th century. At home, the horse were supported by large numbers of similarly armed foot. Small numbers of African elephants were used. References: Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars D. Head, Slingshot 283.
II/40
NUMIDIAN & EARLY MOORISH 215 BC - 24 AD
— Numidian or Early Moorish Army 215 BC - 24 AD
List: 1 x General (with Spanish bodyguard Cv, otherwise LH), 4 x horsemen (LH), 4 x javelinmen (Ps), 1 x archers or slingers (Ps) or elephants (El), 2 x Roman-trained regular javelinmen (4Ax) or imitation legionaries (4Bd) or javelinmen (Ps) or horsemen (LH)
Terrain: Hilly
Aggression: 1
Enemies:
I/7 — EARLY LIBYAN 3000 BC - 70 AD
II/32 — LATER CARTHAGINIAN 275 BC - 146 BC
II/33 — POLYBIAN ROMAN 275 BC - 105 BC
II/40 — NUMIDIAN & EARLY MOORISH 215 BC - 24 AD
II/49 — MARIAN ROMAN 105 BC - 25 BC
II/56 — EARLY IMPERIAL ROMAN 25 BC - 197 AD
Allies:
II/56
II/56 — EARLY IMPERIAL ROMAN 25 BC - 197 AD