Baga (king)

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Baga (also Bagas) was an Amazigh king of Mauretania (present-day Morocco) in approximately 225 BC. Although difficult to establish as fact, it is quite likely that Baga was a member of an older dynasty.

King Baga appeared in the historical record during the events of the Second Punic War. Upon Masinissa's return to Ifriqiya (present-day Tunisia), Baga had to either pass through rivaling Massaesylian territory or through Mauretanian territory. Choosing the latter, he was provided with 4,000 Mauri cavalry units [1] by King Baga of Mauretania that stayed with Masinissa until he reached the borders of his own kingdom. [2] Baga also provided military support during the final chapter of the Second Punic War in the fight against Hannibal. [1]

According to Gabriel Camps, this signifies that Baga was no petty king, and that he had strong control over vast resources and territories, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mulucha (likely the Moulouya River in Morocco), and from the Mediterranean Sea to the southern Atlas Mountains.

His kingdom was inherited by Bocchus I, who was likely his son or grandson.

References

  1. 1 2 Gabriel Camps (2007). Les Berbères, Mémoire et Identité. p. 115.
  2. Livy Ab Urbe Condita Libri 29.30