A Carthaginian general who fought during the First Punic War. He is the father of the famous general Hannibal, Hasdrubal and Mago.
During the First Punic War, Hamilcar was appointed a general at a young age, and he faired very well against the Romans. He seized several towns in Sicily and successfully defended them against Roman counterattack. He, however, like Carthage as a whole, was worn down during the war by the Romans, who seemed to have an endless supply of troops.
After the war, Hamilcar led the Carthaginians in their fight against their mercenaries, who had rebelled when they could no longer be paid. After three years of fighting, he defeated the mercenaries in Africa and sailed to Sardinia to remainder of their forces. The Romans, however, fearful of Hamilcar, declared this a breach of the treaty and claimed Sardinia for their own.
Looking to carry out his personal vendetta against the Romans, Hamilcar sailed to Spain. There he had hoped to build a power base, which he could use to attack Rome. While consolidating his control in the north of the territory, Hamilcar drowned. He was succeeded by his sons.