Page "247 BC" Paragraph 3

* By this stage in the Punic War, Carthage has lost to Rome all its Sicilian possessions except Lilybaeum ( now Marsala ) and Drepanum ( now Trapani ).

Hamilcar Barca takes over the chief command of the Carthaginian forces in Sicily at a time when the island is almost completely in the hands of the Romans.

Landing on the north-west of the island with a small mercenary force, he seizes a strong position on Mount Ercte ( Monte Pellegrino, near Palermo ), and not only successfully defends himself against all attacks, but also carries his raids as far as the coast of southern Italy.