Iarbas, or Hiarbas, was a Roman mythological character, who has appeared in works by various authors including Ovid and Virgil. The character is possibly based on a historical king of Numidia.
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Role in Classical Mythology
In Roman mythology, Iarbas or Hiarbas was the son of Jupiter Hammon (Hammon was a North African god associated by the Romans with Jupiter, and known for his oracle) and a Garamantian nymph. He became the king of Getulia. According to Virgil's Aeneid, he fell in love with the Carthaginian queen Dido, who rejected his advances in favour of Aeneas.
Variations of the story were referred to by Ovid. In Ovid's Heroides, Dido describes Iarbas as one of her suitors, to whom Aeneas would be handing her over as a captive if he should leave her. In Ovid's Fasti, Iarbas and the Numidians invade Dido's land after her suicide, resulting in his capturing her palace.
Macrobius, and Pompeius Trogus also tell versions of the myth; in Justin's epitome of Pompeius he is king of the Maxitani.
Appearances in Later Literature
Iarbas is briefly referenced in Dante's Purgatorio as owning part of the land south of Italy.
Iarbas is also a character in Christopher Marlowe's play Dido, Queen of Carthage.
Historical Background
There was also a historical king of Numidia called Hiarbas who reigned from 84-82 BC. He was captured in battle by Pompey the Great. As all sources of the myth are from after this event, it is possible that the mythological Iarbas got his name from the historical figure.