(Greek form: Himilkon). Born ?, died 396 BCE (?).
Carthaginian general whose two military campaigns against the Greeks on Sicily led to significant conquests for Carthage. On both occasions, his gains were erased by epidemics among his forces.
The first campaign, in 406 BCE, Himilco's forces took and sacked the cities of Acragas, Gela and Camarina (today: Santa Croceo). Due to an outbreak of disease among his troops, Himilco was forced to reach an accommodation with the Syracusan tyrant, Dionysios the Elder.
The treaty terms were favourable to Carthage, leaving the Carthaginians in control of large parts of the island. Indeed, it was unheard of for the powerful Syracusan tyrant to be forced into a treaty.
However, the treaty was not to last - in 398 BCE, Dionysios's army attacked the Carthaginians on Sicily, sacking Motya (today: Modica), a major Carthaginian stronghold.
In 396 BCE Himilco once again returned to do battle on the island. In a successful series of battles, Himilco destroyed the Syracusan fleet and laid siege to Syracuse, only to be once more defeated by an epidemic in the ranks. Aided by Sparta, the Syracusans attacked the demoralised army of the Carthaginians, and utterly defeated Himilco.
Following this abject defeat, Himilco returned to Carthage and committed suicide.