The Masaesyli were a North African tribe of western Numidia and the main antagonists of the Massylii in eastern Numidia. During the Second Punic War they initially supported the Roman Republic, led by Syphax against the Massyllii, led by Massinissa. After Massinissa threatened to unite all Numidians in a confederacy against Rome, the Masaesyli turned against Rome and undertook the cause of Carthage. Syphax was defeated, however, and spent the remainder of his days in Roman captivity, while his tribe was assimilated into the kingdom of Massinissa.
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