111 BCE siege
| Siege of Cirta |
|---|
| Part of Jugurthine War |
|
| Belligerents |
|---|
|
Adherbal loyalists and Roman citizens |
Forces under Jugurtha |
| Commanders and leaders |
|---|
|
Adherbal |
Jugurtha |
| Strength |
|---|
|
Unknown |
Unknown |
| Casualties and losses |
|---|
|
Garrison massacred |
Light |
The siege of Cirta was fought between the rival Numidian kings Adherbal and Jugurtha in 113 BC. They were contesting the throne of Numidia after the death of King Micipsa. Jugurtha invaded Adherbal's territory, defeated him and besieged him in his capital Cirta. Two Roman deputations attempted to negotiate a settlement, but Jugurtha ignored them. When the city surrendered he tortured Adherbal to death and executed all who had bourne arms against him, including numerous Romans. This last action was to spark the outbreak of the Jugurthine War between Rome and Numidia.