Tacfarinas: An African Rebel Against Rome: The Numidian Revolt Against the Emperor Tiberius (AD 17 to 24)

Examines the Tacfarinas, a Roman-trained Numidian who led a fierce guerrilla rebellion against Rome in North Africa from AD 17 to 24.

Tacfarinas, was a North African Numidian auxiliary soldier who deserted from the Roman army and led an insurrection against Rome from AD 17 to 24. He built a small band of fellow deserters and local brigands into a force that could match the occupier’s military strength in the region, training them in Roman style to exceptionally high standards. Using irregular guerrilla tactics, Tacfarinas won some substantial victories. Combining his insider knowledge of the Roman army and superior understanding of the topography to maximum effect, his activities had a significant impact. Disruption of the African grain supply to Rome caused urban unrest which threatened the city itself. The conflict was a severe test for Tiberius, and one of the most significant military challenges of his reign as emperor.

It took seven years and four proconsuls to subdue the rebellion. Several times they defeated Tacfarinas in battle and celebrated victory but each time he renewed the defiant struggle. Only when the new proconsul, Publius Cornelius Dolabella, to adapted Roman strategy to mirror those of their wily enemy, was Tacfarinas finally killed in a surprise attack.

First setting the context of what is known of the region at the time and the experience of Rome’s Numidian auxiliaries, Joanne Ball details these dramatic events. Thoroughly researched and based on the latest, ongoing archaeology, this is a classic tale of the underdog defying a powerful empire in the name of freedom, which, though ultimately doomed to a tragic ending, deserves to be remembered.