Editing Numidia (section)

==Culture==

=== Architecture ===
The term “Royal Numidian Architecture” was coined for the monuments that were constructed by the Numidian kings.<ref name=Quinn>Quinn, J. (2013). Monumental power: ‘Numidian Royal Architecture’ in context. In J. Prag & J. Quinn (Eds.), The Hellenistic West: Rethinking the Ancient Mediterranean (pp. 179-215). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/CBO9781139505987.008</ref> These monuments consist of tombs, tumuli and sanctuaries. Some examples of these structures are the [[Libyco-Punic Mausoleum of Dougga|mausoleum of Thugga]], the tomb of Beni Rhenane, a tomb at Henchur Burgu in Djerba as well as two tumulus tombs known as the [[Madghacen]] and the [[Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania]].<ref name=Quinn /> There are also altars that were built at [[Chemtou|Simitthus]] and Kbor Klib. All of these monuments were built within the area ruled by Massinissa and his descendants.<ref name=Quinn />

=== Religion ===
Massinissa had a profound influence on religion in his kingdom. During his reign, urban areas worshipped [[Baal Hammon]] and other Phoenician deities, while rural communities venerated local gods and spirits. Some Libyan groups also worshipped celestial bodies such as the Sun and Moon. Massinissa, despite his openness to foreign influences, did not abandon traditional African beliefs. When he welcomed Roman consul [[Publius Cornelius Scipio Nasica Corculum|Publius Cornelius Scipio]], he expressed his gratitude in a distinctly African manner, saying: “I give thanks to you, O Great Sun, and to you, other gods of the heavens.” This invocation highlights his reverence for the solar deity. Massinissa, influenced by Phoenician civilization, allowed the worship of Phoenician gods in urban centers. As an admirer of Greek culture, he likely introduced the Numidians to the Greek cult of [[Demeter]] and [[Persephone]] (Ceres), a fertility religion involving rituals aimed at promoting agricultural productivity. These rites often included crude and provocative elements, reflecting their connection to natural cycles and fertility.
{{Multiimage
| image1            = Mausolée des Rois numides dit le Medracen -1.JPG
| alt1              = Round pyramid in a middle of a grassy plain
| image2            = Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania 2014.jpg
| alt2              = Stone made structure
| total_width       = 700
| image3            = TUNISIA DOUGGA MAUSOLEE LIBYCO PUNIQUE 001.jpg
| align             = center
| caption3          = Mausoleum of Thugga, [[Douga]] (Tunisia)
| caption2          = Royal mausoleum of Mauretania, [[Tipaza]] (Algeria)
| caption1          = Royal mausoleum-temple of the Berber Numidian Kings (Medracen), [[Batna Province|Batna]] (Algeria)
| image4            = Tomb of Massinissa 01.jpg
| caption4          = Tomb of Micipsa, [[El-Khroub]] (Algeria).
}}