A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Ὀξύντας), son of Jugurtha, was led captive, together with his father, before the triumphal car of Marius (B. C. 104); but his life was spared, and he was placed in custody at Venusia. Here he remained till B. C. 90, when he was brought forth by the Samnite general, C. Papius Mutilus, and adorned with the insignia of royalty, in order to produce a moral effect upon the Numidian auxiliaries in the service of the Roman general L. Caesar. The device was successful, and the Numidians deserted in great numbers ; but of the subsequent fortunes of Oxyntas we know nothing. (Eutrop. 4.27; Oros. 15; Appian, App. BC 1.42.)

[E.H.B]