A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

10. Son of Bomilcar (probably the Suffete of that name: see BOMILCAR No. 2), is mentioned as one of the generals in Spain in B. C. 215, together with Hasdrubal and Mago, the two sons of Barca. The three generals, with their united armies, were besieging the city of Illiturgi, when the two Scipios came up to its relief; and notwithstanding the great inferiority of their forces, totally defeated the Carthaginians, and compelled them to raise the siege. (Liv. 23.49.) No other mention is found of this Hamilcar, unless he be the same that is named by Polybius (3.95) as commanding the fleet of Hasdrubal in 217. That officer is, however, called by Livy (22.19) Himilco. From the perpetual confusion between these two names it seems not impossible that the person of whom we are now speaking is the same as the Himilco whom Livy had previously mentioned (23.28) as being sent into Spain with a large force to support Hasdrubal. [HIMILCO, No. 7.]