A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

3. A Carthaginian general, who was sent by Hasdrubal, the commander-in-chief of the Carthaginian forces in Spain, to prevent the Romans under Scipio from crossing the Iberus in B. C. 217. But not daring to do this, Bostar fell back upon Saguntum, where all the hostages were kept which had been given to the Carthaginians by the different states in Spain. Here he was persuaded by Abelox, who had secretly gone over to the Romans, to set these hostages at liberty, because such an act would secure the affections of the Spanish people. But the hostages had no sooner left the city, than they were betrayed by Abelox into the hands of the Romans. For his simplicity on this occasion, Bostar was involved in great danger. (Plb. 3.98, 99; Liv. 22.22.)