Interesting Facts

• Niblos was the son of Lucus, the king of Sardunia.
• He served as the captain of the host for his father, Lucus.
• Niblos kissed and embraced his uncle Angeas upon his arrival.
• He requested of Angeas to ask his father to make him captain of the host for the battle against Turnus.
• Niblos died in the battle fought in the valley of Canopia against Turnus.
• His uncle Angeas commanded that a golden coffin be made for him.
• His father Lucus later commanded that a coffin of brass be made for him and that he be buried, with a high tower built over his grave, named after him.
• Niblos was buried on the highroad between Alphanu and Romah, and Turnus was buried in the same place, opposite him.

Genealogy

• Niblos was the son of Lucus, who was the king of Sardunia.
• His uncle was Angeas, the king of Africa.
• The sources do not provide information about Niblos’s mother, siblings (if any), wife, or offspring.

Historical Context

Niblos lived in a time of inter-kingdom conflict. The primary historical event influencing his life was the dispute between Angeas, king of Africa, and Turnus, king of Bibentu, over Jania. This rivalry escalated to military confrontation, drawing in Lucus, king of Sardunia, and consequently his son Niblos. The alliances and rivalries between these kingdoms shaped the political landscape. The sources also highlight the importance of military strength and leadership, as Niblos was appointed captain of the host. The custom of honoring the dead with elaborate burials and monuments is evident in the actions taken by Angeas and Lucus after Niblos’s death.

Narrative

Niblos’s personal story is brief but significant within the broader conflict. He appears as the son of King Lucus who greets his uncle Angeas upon his arrival in Sardunia. Displaying a sense of eagerness and perhaps ambition, Niblos requests through Angeas that his father appoint him as the captain of their combined forces for the impending battle against Turnus. This request is granted, indicating a level of trust and capability attributed to him. However, Niblos’s role as captain culminates in the battle in the valley of Canopia, where he tragically perishes along with his father’s entire army. His death is noted as a significant loss, prompting his uncle Angeas to order a golden coffin for him, and later his grieving father Lucus to erect a lasting memorial in his name. Niblos’s narrative, though short-lived, underscores the personal costs of the power struggles between the kingdoms and the deep familial bonds that existed. His burial opposite Turnus serves as a final, silent testament to the conflict in which he lost his life.