Naravas (Numidian language, Old Libyan: ''Nrbs(h)''; , ) was a 3rd Century BCE Numidian chief who fought in the Mercenary War, he first joined the rebels, but changed sides in 239 BCE.

Alliance with Hamilcar Barca

During the Mercenary War, Naravas had joined the army of Spendius. During a critical time, he switched his allegiance to Hamilcar Barca of Carthage. In 239 BC, he arrived at Hamilcar's camp with 2,000 horsemen. This probably saved the Carthaginian army from destruction. His troops pushed back the mercenaries of Mathos, the Libyan chief, at the Battle of the Bagradas River (239 BC), Battle of Bagradas River. After the battle, he took possession of the town of Utica, Tunisia, Utica.

Family

Naravas married the third daughter of Hamilcar Barca, the sister of Hannibal. Her name is unknown, but Gustave Flaubert gave her the name Salammbo in his novel of that name.

References

External links

*
Cannae: the Experience of Battle in the Second Punic War.
3rd-century BC Berber people Ancient mercenaries Numidia Place of birth unknown Year of birth missing Mercenary War {{berber-stub