Hamilcar Barca

AncientGeneralCarthage-275 — -228

Carthaginian general, father of Hannibal, expanded into Spain.

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Quick Facts

Born

275 BCE

Died

228 BCE

Country

Carthage

Era

Ancient

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)90

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)72

Legacy (20%)55

Leadership (15%)68

Strategy (15%)82

Total Score69.4

Hamilcar Barca — Complete Timeline

247 BC

Appointed Commander of Carthaginian Forces in SicilyWar◆ Major

Hamilcar Barca was given command of Carthaginian forces in Sicily during the First Punic War. He established a base at Mount Eryx and conducted guerrilla warfare against the Romans, achieving several victories despite limited resources.

First Punic WarSicilyMilitary Command

Impact: regional

241 BC

Negotiated the Treaty of Lutatius Ending the First Punic WarPolitical Action◆ Major

Hamilcar Barca was authorized to negotiate peace terms with Rome after Carthage's defeat at the Aegates Islands. The Treaty of Lutatius required Carthage to evacuate Sicily and pay heavy indemnities, ending the First Punic War.

First Punic WarPeace TreatyCarthage

Impact: regionaltragic

237 BC

Led the Carthaginian Campaign in SpainWar◆ Major

Hamilcar Barca led a Carthaginian expedition to Spain to compensate for the loss of Sicily. He conquered large territories, established the city of Akra Leuke, and built a power base that provided resources and troops for the Second Punic War.

SpainExpansionSecond Punic War

Impact: regionalconstructive

228 BC

Drowned in the Júcar RiverOther◆ Major

Hamilcar Barca drowned while retreating from a battle against the Oretani tribe in Spain. His death left his son-in-law Hasdrubal the Fair in command of Carthaginian forces in Spain, and later his son Hannibal took over.

DeathSpainSuccession

Impact: regionaltragic