Himilco

Himilco (d. 396 BCE) is a member of the Magonids, a Carthaginian family of hereditary generals, and has command over the Carthaginian forces between 406 and 397 BCE.

He is chiefly known for his war in Sicily against Dionysius I of Syracuse.

The Magonid Family of Carthage plays a central role between 550 – 375 BCE in the political and military affairs of the Carthaginian Empire.

Himilco comes to prominence after being selected deputy of his cousin Hannibal Mago in 406 BCE for the Carthaginian expedition to Sicily.

He takes command of the expedition after Hannibal’s death and sacks Akragas, Gela and Camarina while fighting off determined Greek opposition led by successive leaders of Syracuse.

The Peace treaty Himilco concludes with Dionysius of Syracuse in 405 BCE brings Carthaginian holdings in Sicily to its maximum extent.

Elected “king” by 398 BCE, Himilco leads the Carthaginian effort against Dionysius after 398 BCE, and although initially successful, suffers a reverse at Syracuse in 396 BC when his forces are decimated by the plague and then defeated by Dionysius.

He manages to bring the Carthaginians of the force home after bribing Dionysius and abandoning his other troops.

Himilco publicly assumes full responsibility for the debacle, and after visiting all the temples of the city dressed as a slave to offer penance, starves himself to death.

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