# VII: Hamilcar Barca explained — Salammbô

> Chapter companion for Salammbô by Gustave Flaubert.

## What happens

Hamilcar Barca returns to Carthage and learns of the recent events: the greed of the Ancients, the departure and return of the mercenaries, their demands, the capture of Gisco, and the theft of the Zaïmph. He secretly meets with his slave Iddibal, who has been hiding Hamilcar's son and training him. Hamilcar then attends a secret assembly of the Ancients at the temple of Moloch. Later, he inspects his vast treasures and questions his stewards about trade and expeditions. He confronts his daughter Salammbô, suspecting her involvement with a Barbarian, and she collapses in fear.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Hamilcar's secret accumulation of wealth and manipulation of the corn supply highlight the corrupt and self-serving nature of Carthaginian power.

### Fate and Divine Retribution

Hamilcar's suspicion of Salammbô's sacrilege and the theft of the Zaïmph suggest impending divine punishment.

### Colonialism and Rebellion

The mercenaries' rebellion against Carthage and the mention of Numidian alliances reflect colonial tensions and uprisings.

## Character check-ins

### Hamilcar Barca

Returns to Carthage, learns of recent events, meets secretly with Iddibal, inspects his wealth, and confronts Salammbô.

### Iddibal

Disguised as an old Negress, reports to Hamilcar about his son's training and hiding place.

### Salammbô

Confronted by Hamilcar, she is terrified and collapses, hinting at her involvement with a Barbarian.

### Abdalonim

Steward who shows Hamilcar the treasury and receives orders to acquire corn.

### Gisco

Mentioned as having been captured by the mercenaries.

## Key lines

> They related to him all that had taken place since the conclusion of the peace: the greed of the Ancients, the departure of the soldiers, their return, their demands, the capture of Gisco, the theft of the zaïmph , the relief and subsequent abandonment of Utica; but no one ventured to tell him of the events which concerned himself.

Hamilcar's party informs him of the key events after the peace: the Ancients' greed, the mercenaries' movements, Gisco's capture, the Zaïmph theft, and Utica's fate, but they avoid mentioning personal matters.

_Summarizes the political and military situation upon Hamilcar's return._

> He is strong, is he not?" "Yes, Master, and intrepid as well! He has no fear of serpents, or thunder, or phantoms. He runs barefooted like a herdsman along the brinks of precipices."

Iddibal reports that Hamilcar's son is strong and fearless, showing no fear of natural or supernatural dangers.

_Reveals Hamilcar's hidden son and his training._

> You will have it brought from Etruria, Brutium, whence you will, and no matter at what price! Heap it and keep it! I alone must possess all the corn in Carthage.

Hamilcar orders Abdalonim to acquire all available corn from any source, at any cost, to control Carthage's food supply.

_Demonstrates Hamilcar's strategic manipulation of resources for power._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/salammb_se/chapters/vii-hamilcar-barca
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/salammb_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/salammb_se/chapters