A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

the son of Syphax, king of the Massaesylians, the westernmost tribe of the Nutook midians, is first mentioned in B. C. 204, when he took the field with his father against their rival Masinissa, whom they defeated. After the defeat and capture of his father in the following year [SYPHAX], Vermina continued faithful to the Carthaginians. He joined Hannibal soon after he landed in Africa, but he was not present at the battle of Zama, as he was probably engaged in collecting forces in his own dominions. He arrived very soon after the battle at the head of a considerable army, but was attacked by the Romans and defeated with great loss. Fifteen thousand of his men were slain and twelve hundred taken prisoners; Vermina himself escaped with difficulty accompanied by only a few horsemen. He had now no alternative but submission. In B. C. 200 he sent an embassy to Rome, praying for forgiveness, and begging that the senate would call him a king, an ally, and a friend. The senate replied that he must first sue for peace, and that they would send commissioners into his kingdom to dictate the terms on which it would be granted. When the commissioners arrived in Africa, they were received by Vermina with the greatest respect. A peace was concluded with him, the terms of which are not mentioned, but we know that the greater part of his hereditary dominions was bestowed upon Masinissa. (Liv. 29.33; Appian, App. Pun. 33; Liv. 30.36, 40, 31.11, 19.) [MASINISSA.]