Bithyas

(Βιθύας), the commander of a considerable body of Numidian cavalry, deserted Gulussa, the son of Masinissa and the ally of the Romans in the third Punic war, B. C. 148, and went over to the Carthaginians, to whom he did good service in the war. At the capture of Carthage in 146, Bithyas fell into the hands of Scipio, by whom he was taken to Rome. He doubtless adorned the triumph of the conqueror, but instead of being put to death afterwards, according to the usual custom, he was allowed to reside under guard in one of the cities of Italy. (Appian, App. Pun. 111, 114, 120; Zonar. 9.30; Suidas, s. v. Βιθίας.)