A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

5. Carthaginian governor in Sicily at the time that Agathocles was first rising into power. The latter, having been driven into exile from Syracuse, had assembled a mercenary force at Morgantia, with which he carried on hostilities against the Syracusans. Hamilcar was at first induced to espouse the cause of the latter, and defend them against Agathocles; but was afterwards prevailed on to take up the interests of the exiles, and brought about a treaty, by which Agathocles was restored to his country, and, with the assistance of the Carthaginians, quickly made himself undisputed master of the city, B. C. 317. (Justin, 22.2, compared with Diod. 19.5-9.) Hamilcar appears to have reckoned on the devotion of the tyrant whom he had assisted in establishing, and who had sworn to be faithful to the interests of Carthage; and we find him soon after interposing as mediator, to terminate the war which the Agrigentines, in conjunction with the Geloans and Messenians, had commenced against Agathocles. (Diod. 19.71.) The Carthaginian allies even complained against him, as sacrificing their interests to those of the Syracusan tyrant; and the senate of Carthage determined upon his recal, but he died before his successor could arrive in Sicily. (Just. 22.3, 7.)