Hampsicora

Hampsicora (3rd century BC - Cornus, 215 BC) was a Carthaginian military and landowner of Sardinia, the leader of the anti-Roman revolt of 215 BC.

The sources describe Hampsicora as the richest among the landowners of Sardinia that at time appeared to be split into two entities: the southern and western coastline, including the vast Campidano plain, directly subjected to the domination of Carthage and the mountainous inland areas still independent and inhabited by Nuragic populations, which, although they had become tolerant of the Carthaginians after many hostilities, were obviously hostile to the Roman conquest.

In conjunction with the victories of Hannibal in Italy, Hampsicora was the animator, along with Hanno of Tharros, of the revolt of the coastal cities of Sardinia against the Romans in 215 BC, succeeding in gaining the support of the Sardinians, especially the tribes of Ilienses. Also the senators of Cornus, the city of which Hampsicora was the chief magistrate, sent ambassadors to Carthage asking aid for the Sardinians who were aware of what was happening in Italy. Carthage then sent Hasdrubal the Bald, with an army of about ten thousand soldiers.

The pitched battle took place near Decimomannu, according to Francesco Casula, between the two rivers in the area, a few miles from Caralis and saw the defeat of the rebels. Hampsicora's plan was to march on the city in order to cut off the supply routes of the other cities of the western coast that had fallen into Roman hands. Carthaginian ships almost arrived in Cornus, but they were driven west by the winds to the Balearic Islands.

Meanwhile, Titus Manlius Torquatus, the Roman consul, gathered four legions in Caralis and went to Cornus. Manlio surprised the few troops of Cornus, led by Josto, son of Hampsicora, who was defeated, having made the mistake of facing the enemy in the open field without waiting for further reinforcements. In fact Hampsicora was asking for reinforcements for the Sardinians. When he arrived he joined the Carthaginian troops who landed late, and also faced the enemy, but was also defeated because the Carthaginians surrendered. He subsequently fled to safety, taking refuge among the inland tribes. However, according to Livy, Hampsicora, saddened by the death of his son Josto and eager not to fall into the hands of the Romans, took his own life.