He was sent to
Sicily as commander sometime after
576 BC, likely due to the
Phoenician (and possibly also
Elymian) cities' pleas for help against
Greek expansion westward into the island. It is not certain whether Carthaginian troops were already stationed on Sicily beforehand. It's possible that Malchus captured the Greek city of
Selinus and the Phoenician colonies of
Motya,
Panormus and
Soluntum during the ensuing battles. Although it remains unclear whether he fought against Pentathlus of
Cnidus, legendary founder of
Lilybaeum, or the tyrant
Phalaris of
Akragas, it is safe to assume that Malchus was generally successful with his campaign on the island. Towards the middle of the 6th century BCE, he waged war against the
Libu for control over
Libya. Around
540 BC, Malchus is sent to
Sardinia at the command of an army, numbering 80,000 men according to the Roman historian
Justin, presumably to support the resident Phoenicians against the indigenous
Nuragic Sardinians. With several military victories, he succeeds in establishing
Punic settlements on the island. Though after a decisive defeat, he and his remaining troops are exiled by the Carthaginian People's Assembly. In response, Malchus besieges
Carthage with his army. During the siege, he has his son Carthalo, who had refused to join his side, seized and crucified. Soon after, he manages to conquer the city and has ten elders, who had advocated for his exile, executed. Eventually, he is nonetheless brought to justice by
Mago, among others, for aspiring to the throne and executed. == Bibliography ==