Himilco

Himilco (fl. early 5th century BC) was a Carthaginian navigator and explorer, cited by later Greek and Roman authors as one of the earliest explorers from the Mediterranean Sea to reach the northwestern shores of Europe. Himilco's now-lost account, sometimes referred to as the Periplus of the Northern Sea, survives only in brief notices preserved by Pliny the Elder and Avienus. According to these sources, Himilco sailed beyond the Pillars of Heracles (modern Strait of Gibraltar) along the Atlantic seaboard, probably reaching Brittany and possibly the British Isles.

Life Little to nothing is known of Himilco's life. He was contemporary with the Carthaginian explorer Hanno, who traveled south along the coast of West Africa. According to Duane W. Roller, they probably belonged to the Magonid family, and were perhaps brothers. Stéphane Gsell, followed by B. H. Warmington, suggested that Hanno and Himilco were the sons of Hamilcar I, who died in 480 BC at the battle of Himera. The date of Himilco's travel depends on that of Hanno, which is itself uncertain, but was perhaps shortly after 500 BC.