[1] Hiarbas may be the historical inspiration for the legendary figure of Iarbas, rejected suitor of Dido, described by Virgil as a Gaetulian.
On the death of Gauda in 88, Numidia was divided into a smaller western and a larger eastern kingdom.
Hiempsal II inherited the eastern kingdom, but was immediately confronted by a revolt led by Hiarbas.
In a campaign that lasted a mere forty days, he defeated and killed Domitius and forced Hiarbas to flee.
This seems to indicates that the petty kingdom of western Numidia (which belonged to Massinissa) was also formally recognized by the Romans at this time, having perhaps been under Hiarbas' authority.