Hamilcar Barkas is a figure who is strongly embedded in the history of the ancient world, although his son Hannibal became more famous as a great Carthaginian commander. It was Hamilcar, a fearless general and statesman, who built the foundations of the power that his son used during his great wars with Rome.
Hamilcar Barkas (c. 280-229 BCE) was the commander-in-chief of Carthage in the final years of the First Punic War (264-241 BCE) when his homeland fought for domination of the Mediterranean Sea with the Roman Republic. Although Carthage ultimately lost, Hamilcar gained a reputation as a relentless strategist who was able to conduct effective raids and put pressure on the enemy in Sicily.
Finally, at the request of the Carthaginian authorities, he had to make peace with the Romans on very unfavourable terms – he had to give up Sicily and pay huge tributes.
After the defeat, Hamilcar returned to Carthage, where he crushed a mercenary rebellion. He then turned his attention to building Carthage’s power in Spain, which was crucial to Hannibal’s later successes. It was there that Hamilcar acquired numerous silver, gold and copper mines, which allowed the state to maintain financial continuity and pay off its obligations to Rome.
It was under his father’s tutelage that young Hannibal grew into one of the most brilliant commanders in military history. Hamilcar passed on to his son not only military knowledge but also a deep hatred of Rome, which led to the start of the Second Punic War.
Hamilcar died while crossing one of the Spanish rivers during the battle with the Celtiberians.
