Numidian javelinmen are fast moving skirmishers trained from infancy in the use of the javelin.

Sapping Ability

Numidian javelinmen are fast moving skirmishers trained from infancy in the use of the javelin for hunting. They are recruited from amongst nomadic peoples who need their weapon skills to survive in harsh conditions.

They are best employed to harry enemies and thin their ranks with volleys of missiles. They should avoid being sucked into hand-to-hand combat, as their knives are more useful in skinning animals than killing men; also, other than a small shield they have no armour.

Historically, Numidia was a territory to the west and south of Carthage. Their people were Berber tribes that had a semi-nomadic existence. Numidian justice was extremely harsh on deserters and cowards: crucifixion was a common punishment.

Even though Numidians preferred to use horsemen against their enemies, Polybius mentions a infantry regiment of Numidians accompanying Massinissa before the Battle of Zama in 202 BC.