little information known about King Mastanesosus comes from coins bearing the inscription "REX BOCCHVS SOSI F" (Bocchus II son of Sosus), in addition to a reference by Cicero in his book In Vatinum, where he detailed an itinerary by Publius Vatinius through North Africa. Vatinius had allegedly met King Mastanesosus in person in 62 BC.

Some historians, such as Stéphane Gsell, have confused Mastanesosus with Massinissa II