The nephew was a brilliant young man, who had served under Scipio in the Numantine war, and returned to Africa covered with honors.

He was named joint heir with his cousins to the kingdom of Numidia.

Micipsa dying soon after, Jugurtha murdered one of his cousins, Hiempsal, claimed the whole kingdom, and attacked his other cousin, Adherbal, who appealed to Rome.

Commissioners were sent to investigate.

They were bought off by Jugurtha, and returned home without accomplishing anything.