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The third century before the common era was a time of empire-making and empire-breaking especially in the western Mediterranean, where a conflict was brewing that would shape the future of the known world. |
First Punic War (264-241BC)
(- threads, 26 posts)
 Hamilcar Barca
Historical Thread
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"On the other hand his [Hamilcar] presence constituted a serious threat to the Romans, and eventually involved them in a whole series of difficulties and trials of strength." Polybios, The Histories I.56
In the final years of the First Punic War, a suitably named general took command of the Carthaginian forces in Sicily. Hamilcar Barca (Barca is derived from the Semitic for 'lightning' or 'sword') proved to be one of the most capable generals of either side, begging the question 'where was he before 247BC?' In 244 BC, he captured Mount Eryx and used it as an effective base of operations, bringing him several minor victories. Unfortunately for Hamilcar, the land war was by in large over by the mid 240's and he did not have the resources to commit to open battle. In 241BC, Carthage he agreed to surrender but not wanting to be tainted with the defeat, Hamilcar took no part in the negotiations. Within months of returning to Africa, Hamilcar, undefeated in Sicily, became embroiled in the Mercenary War against the unpaid employees and rebelling subjects. The three years the war lasted were extremely bloody, giving the conflict the name 'The Truthless War'. Hamilcar was able to prove the calibre of general he was, defeating Gauls, Libyans, Spaniards, Ligurians, Numidians and Greeks. In 238BC, Hamilcar led a Carthaginian army into Spain, hoping to expand Punic influence. It is at this time that Hamilcar is said to have made his then nine-year-old son Hannibal swear 'never to be friends with Rome'. For the next nine years he fought almost continuously securing the southern coast up to the valley of Guadalquivir, before he was killed in a Celtiberian ambush in 229BC. He was succeeded by his son-in-law, Hasdrubal. it is Hamilcar's bitterness towards Rome that Polybios gives as a major reason for the Second Punic War, as it may have been passed on to his sons.
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Hamilcar Barca history (* Neima Nebet, Dec 2, 2004 - 15:45 )|
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