A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

9. A general in the war of the Carthaginians against their revolted mercenaries, B. C. 240-238, who was appointed to succeed Hanno, when the dissensions between that general and Hamilcar Barca had terminated in the deposition of the former. HANNO, No. 12.] It is probable that the new commuander, if not distinctly placed in subordination to Hamilcar, was content to follow his directions, and we hear nothing of him separately until the two generals besieged Tunis with their combined forces. On this occasion Hamilcar encamped with a part of the army on one side of the city, Hannibal on the other; but the latter was so wanting in vigilance, that Matho, the commander of the besieged forces, by a sudden sally, broke into his camp, made a great slaughter among his troops, and carried off Hannibal himself prisoner. The next morning the unfortunate general was nailed to the same cross on which Spendius, the chief leader of the insurgents, had been previously crucified by Hamilcar. (Plb. 1.82, 86; Diod. Exc. Vat. 25.1.)