Hellenistic era North Africa during Antiquity

1 hellenistic era

1.1 ptolemaic egypt
1.2 carthage , punic wars
1.3 berber kingdoms

hellenistic era

ptolemaic egypt

egypt not considered part of libya (africa) in hellenistic geography. boundary between africa , asia @ catabathmus magnus, separating libya proper (or marmarica) libyan nomos (Λιβύης νόμος) of western egypt.

carthage , punic wars

in revolt of mercenaries, berber soldiers participated 241 238 bce after being unpaid following defeat of carthage in first punic war. berbers succeeded in obtaining control of of carthage s north african territory, , minted coins bearing name libyan, used in greek describe natives of north africa. carthaginian state declined because of successive defeats romans in punic wars; in 146 bce city of carthage destroyed.

berber kingdoms

as carthaginian power waned, influence of berber leaders in hinterland grew. 2nd century bce, several large loosely administered berber kingdoms had emerged. 2 of them established in numidia, behind coastal areas controlled carthage. west of numidia lay mauretania, extended across moulouya river in morocco atlantic ocean. high point of berber civilization, unequaled until coming of almohads , almoravids more millennium later, reached during reign of masinissa in 2nd century bce. after masinissa s death in 148 bc, berber kingdoms divided , reunited several times. masinissa s line survived until ce 24, when remaining berber territory annexed roman empire.