Jugurthine War XXXVII-XLIX Summary and Analysis

The people vote Quintin Metellus into consul and the Senate hand him the Numidian province. Sallust describes him as an honorable man, who Jurgurtha has no chance to persuade with the lure of gold. Jurgurtha quickly hears of Metellus's strong character and offers his surrender; however, Metullus is too wise to trust him. He marches into Numidia and finds everything very peaceful and submissive. Still distrustful of Jurgurtha, he sends scouts to scour the whole country. Jurgurtha continues to offer peace, but Metullus ignores his pleas. Finally, Jurgurtha organizes his army and begins to advance on Metullus.

Jurgurtha motivates his troops by saying they have conquered the Romans before and they will do it again. He says they are at an advantage because they know the land. They then wait to ambush Metullus. Metullus sees the Numidians...