About Himilco
Lived 299 BC – 201 BC (aged 97–98). Himilco was a military officer.
Himilco was a Carthaginian general who served as the garrison commander of Lilybaeum during the First Punic War. He served as the leader of the Carthaginian garrison in the city for much of the Roman Siege of Lilybaeum (250-241 BC), and was successful in his defence of the city against Roman attacks, on one occasion with the assistance of the mercenary leader Alexon, who foiled a plot to betray the city.
In the end, his efforts went in vain, with Carthaginian Sicily being surrendered to Rome by the Treaty of Lutatius.
Himilco's successful defence and his handling of his mercenaries has sometimes been depicted as an example of good unit cohesion created by the commander.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Himilco's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Himilco?
Carthaginian officer in First Punic War
When was Himilco born?
Himilco was born in 299 BC.
When did Himilco die?
Himilco died in 201 BC.
What was Himilco's occupation?
Himilco was a military officer.
What nationality was Himilco?
Himilco's recorded nationality: Ancient Carthage.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Himilco (commander of Lilybaeum)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Himilco. https://biography.guide/himilco-military-officer/
MLA: "Himilco." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/himilco-military-officer/.
Chicago: "Himilco." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/himilco-military-officer/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:02 UTC