A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

14. Surnamed the Samnite, on what account we know not. He was one of the leaders of the democratic party at Carthage during the dissensions which divided that state after the close of the second Punic war; and one of those who instigated Carthalo to attack the troops of Masinissa. [CARTHALO, No. 3.] At a subsequent period (B. C. 151 ), the democratic party having expelled from the city those who were considered to favour Masinissa, that monarch sent his two sons, Gulussa and Micipsa, to demand the restoration of the exiles; but the two princes were refused admission within the gates; and as they were retiring, Hamilcar attacked them, and killed many of the followers of Gulussa, who himself escaped with difficulty. This outrage was one of the immediate causes of the war with Masinissa, which ultimately led to the third Punic war. It is probable that Hamilcar, though not mentioned by name, was included in the proscription of Hasdrubal, Carthalo, and the other leaders of the war party, by which the Carthaginians sought to appease the anger of Rome, when the danger of war with that power became imminent. (Appian, App. Pun. 68, 70, 74.)