Jugurtha was a king of Numidia, a region in North Africa, who ruled during the late 2nd century BCE. He is best known for his conflict with the Roman Republic, known as the Jugurthine War, which lasted from 109 to 105 BCE. Jugurtha initially allied with Rome but later turned against them, leading to a protracted struggle that exposed corruption within the Roman political system. The war highlighted the challenges Rome faced in managing its expanding territories and the complexities of its alliances. Jugurtha's tactics, including guerrilla warfare and diplomacy, made him a formidable opponent. His legacy is often associated with the themes of power, betrayal, and the moral decline of Rome.