But this tale comes from a different, less-known source: The Book of Jasher. Specifically, we’re diving into Chapter 60. Now, the Book of Jasher isn't part of the standard biblical canon, but it’s referenced in the Bible itself (Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18), which gives it a certain… allure, doesn't it? It’s considered by some to be a missing book of the Bible, a collection of stories offering a different perspective on familiar narratives.
So, picture this: it's about 72 years after the Israelites went down to Egypt, after Joseph's death. A fellow named Zepho, son of Eliphaz, son of Esau (yes, that Esau), makes a run for it from Egypt. Zepho and his crew end up in Africa, specifically Dinhabah, where they're welcomed by Angeas, the king. Angeas, impressed with Zepho, makes him captain of his army.
Now, Zepho, being an Esau-ite (a descendant of Esau), has a bit of a grudge against the descendants of Jacob (the Israelites). He tries to convince Angeas to gather his forces and attack Egypt, seeking revenge. But Angeas isn't buying it. He knows the strength of the sons of Jacob all too well, remembering the battles between their ancestors. Zepho keeps pushing, but Angeas remains unconvinced.
Meanwhile, across the sea in the land of Chittim (often associated with Cyprus or other Mediterranean coastal regions), there’s a man named Uzu in the city of Puzimna. He’s been deified, practically worshipped, by the locals. When he dies, he leaves behind only a daughter, Jania. And Jania? She’s not just beautiful, she’s extraordinarily beautiful. The Book of Jasher tells us there was no one like her, “none seen like unto her for beauty and wisdom throughout the land." Quite the compliment!
Word of Jania's beauty reaches Angeas, king of Africa. He sends messengers to Chittim, asking for her hand in marriage. The people of Chittim agree. But, wouldn't you know it, trouble arrives in the form of messengers from Turnus, king of Bibentu. Turnus also wants Jania for himself! His people, too, have raved about her beauty.
The people of Chittim are in a bind. They tell Turnus’s messengers, "Sorry, we already promised her to Angeas. We can't risk angering him; he's too powerful!" They even send a warning to Angeas: "Turnus is coming for Jania, and he's gathering his army! He plans to attack you after passing through Sardunia."
Angeas is furious. He gathers his own army and sails to Sardunia, where his brother Lucus is king. Niblos, Lucus's son, meets Angeas and asks to be made captain of the army. Angeas agrees and asks Lucus to appoint Niblos. So, Angeas and Lucus, with a massive army, head towards Turnus.
They meet Turnus in the valley of Canopia, and a fierce battle ensues. Lucus and his army are decimated, and Niblos is killed. Angeas, grief-stricken, orders a golden coffin made for Niblos. He then throws himself back into the fray, defeats Turnus, and slaughters his army, avenging his nephew and brother's forces.
The survivors of Turnus's army flee, but Angeas and Lucus pursue them relentlessly, slaying them all on the road between Alphanu and Romah. Lucus commands a brass coffin be made for Niblos, burying him on the roadside and building a high tower over his grave, named after him, that stands to this day. Turnus, too, is buried there. The Book of Jasher tells us that even now, on the road between Alphanu and Romah, you can see the graves of Niblos and Turnus, side by side, with a pavement between them.
Lucus returns to Sardunia, and Angeas goes to Bibentu, Turnus's city. The people of Bibentu, terrified, beg for mercy. Angeas spares the city because it was considered part of Chittim. However, from that day on, Angeas's troops regularly raid and plunder Chittim, with Zepho, the captain of the host, always leading the charge.
Finally, Angeas travels to Puzimna and takes Jania, the daughter of Uzu, as his wife, bringing her back to Africa.
So, what do we make of this whirlwind of a story? It's a fascinating blend of tribal rivalries, the allure of beauty, and the ever-present thirst for revenge. The Book of Jasher, in its own unique way, paints a vivid picture of a world where personal vendettas and the pursuit of beauty could shape the course of nations. And it leaves you wondering: how many wars throughout history have been sparked by similar desires and conflicts?