A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

a Numidian, who, after the death of Oesalces, king of the Massylians, revolted against Capusa, the eldest son of the late king, who had succeeded him on the throne; and defeated him in a great battle, in which Capusa himself was killed. Mezetulus, however, did not assume the sovereignty himself, but placed on the throne Lacumaces, the youngest son of Oesalus, a mere child, in whose name he designed to govern the kingdom. But the return of Masinissa front Spain disconcerted his plans: he quickly raised a large army, with which he opposed this new adversary in the field, but was defeated, and compelled to seek refuge in the dominions of Syphax. From thence, however, he was induced to return, and take up his residence at the court of Masinissa, from whom he received a free pardon and the restitution of all his property. (Liv. 29.29, 30.) It is probably the same person who is called by Appian Mesotulus (Μεσότυλος), and is mentioned as joining Hannibal with a force of 1000 horsemen shortly before the battle of Zama. (Appian, App. Pun. 33.) [E.H.B]