Hamilcar+Barca

=**Hamilcar Barca**= Hamilcar Barca was a Carthaginian general and statesman. Hamilcar commanded the Carthaginian land forces in Sicily during 247 BC during the later stages of the First Punic War. He kept his army intact and led a successful guerrilla war against the Romans in Sicily. After the defeat of Carthage in 241 BC Hamilcar retired to Africa after the peace treaty. When the Mercenary War burst out in 239 BC, Hamilcar was recalled to command and was instrumental in concluding that conflict successfully. Hamilcar commanded the Carthaginian expedition to Spain in 237 BC, and for eight years expanded the territory of Carthage in Spain before dying in battle in 228 BC. Legends have it that Hamilcar founded the port city of Barcino, getting its name from the Barcas. Barcino became an important city later in history as the Romans controlled Hispania. Today Barcino is known as Barcelona.

Hamilcar's family was very important to Carthage, the expansion of their territories, and their fights with Rome. His three daughters all married important Carthaginian generals and leaders. His sons, including the famous general Hannibal, all grew up to lead Carthaginian armies, as did his grandson. Hannibal was selected and trained to eventually be his father's successor, and it was he that finally defeated the Romans.