What is the significance of SYPHAX?



What is the significance of SYPHAX?

In the latest Obsidian breadcrumb recovered from the Carthaginian ruins in Tunis; we learn that Titus assigned a Numidian guide named SYPHAX to assist Obsidius in his journey.

Strangely, the name is in all-caps. Also, it seems odd that Obsidius would remark that "my guide was of no use, save to keep me out of dangerous lands and provide some local knowledge."

It doesn't make much sense to prominently record the name of the guide if they are truly a minor background player. I think that SYPHAX was/will be more significant.

The only clues we have, that I'm aware of, are his name and nationality. The most famous historical Syphax was a Numidian king who first fought for Rome against Carthage, and then later fought against Rome. Now, this was during the second Punic War, which Yik Sheng Lee​ has argued was partially a proxy war for xm artifacts. Syphax was defeated and taken prisoner by the Romans.

Could it be that Syphax was turned into a simulacrum by the Romans? Could Obsidius' guide be a later recursion of this Numidian king?

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