Hamilcar Supreme in Carthage
Hamilcar Barca was blamed by Carthaginian Leaders for causing the Mercenary War by making unrealistic promises to his soldiers, especially the Celts during his command in Sicily. This event may have taken place as early as 241 BC or more likely in 237 BC. The influence Hamilcar enjoyed among the people and the opposition party enabled him to avoid standing trial. Furthermore, Hamilcar allied with Hasdrubal the Fair, his future son in law, to restrict the power of the aristocracy, which was led by {{Hanno the Great]], as well as gain immunity from prosecution. Hamilcar’s faction gained enough clout, if not supreme power in Carthage, for Hamilcar to implement his next agenda. Hamilcar’s first priority probably was to ensure that the war indemnity was paid regularly so the Romans had no excuse to interfere in Carthaginian affairs. His second was to implement his strategy for preparing Carthage for any future conflict with Rome, or enable Carthage to defend itself against any aggression.
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