Magon Barca

Magon Barca , deceased in 203, is a general Carthaginian family member of the Barcides and younger brother of Hannibal and Hasdrubal Barca. One is unaware of very his life before the Second Punic War.

War in Italy

During this major conflict, it takes share with the invasion of the Italy with his two brothers. It takes part in the Bataille of Trébie then to that of Cannes. It is then sent by Hannibal in the south of Italy and subjects the Samnium and the Bruttium. From there, it sets out again with Carthage to carry the news of the victory and to ask reinforcements for his brother.

War in Hispanie

It is then placed at the head of a body which is sent in reinforcement towards the Hispanie following the defeat of Dertosa. Though it is his/her brother who is commander-in-chief it, he is general of a separate army. Of 215 with 212, at the sides of his/her Hasdrubal brother and Hasdrubal Gisco, it fights the Roman armed ordered by Publius Cornelius and Gnaeus Scipion. However, a status quo settles and none the parties gains decisive victories for this period. In 211, the Carthaginian armies are separated and Scipion decide to benefit from this opportunity to fight them with one. Publius Cornelius Scipio goes against Magon whereas Gnaeus leaves to fight Hasdrubal Barca. Hasdrubal Gisco, the Iberian chief Indibilis and Massinissa with the head of his Numides manage to join Magon and beat the Roman army together. Publius Cornelius dies during the combat. The Carthaginian armies then hasten to join Hasdrubal Barca. The Roman army is again overcome and Gnaeus knows the same fate as his/her brother Publius Cornelius.

The conquest of Hispanie seems then within reach but the Roman army manages to be reconstituted and the arrival of Scipion the African shift the situation. Magon is beaten in 207 by Marcus Silanus and is obliged to take refuge with Gadès. The Carthaginians disperse then and try to raise Hispanie against the Romains. In 206, Scipion overcomes the Carthaginians with Ilipa. Hasdrubal Gisco leaves in North Africa whereas Magon turns over to Gadès. In 205, Scipion must face risings of tribes Ibères and with a Mutinerie. Magon does not manage to benefit from these difficulties had by the Romans: when it tries to take again Carthagène, it is overcome. It tries to return in Gadès but the doors of the city are barred to him.

Return in Italy

It then decides to set sail towards the Balearic Islands, where the town of Mahón preserves its name. It is initially rejected larger island before accosting on smallest. From there, on order of the Carthaginian Senate, it passes to Italy and unloads in Ligurie. It seizes the town of Genoa and, during three years, he will be Master of the north of Italy. There, it tries to raise the Ligures and the Gaulois. In 203, it fights the Roman armies sent against him but its army is demolished and itself is wounded. He is recalled by Carthage to help with the defense of the city against Scipion the African who unloaded in North Africa. The voyage is fatal for him and Magon dies at sea of the continuations of its wounds.

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