d as a tyrant, and the oppressor of his country's liberty, he
was considered as its benefactor and deliverer; all, with an unanimous
voice, proclaimed him king; and the crown was bestowed, after his death,
on his two brothers.

(M101) After the memorable defeat of the Athenians before Syracuse, where
Nicias perished with his whole fleet;(614) the Segestans, who had declared
in favour of the Athenians against the Syracusans, fearing the resentment
of their enemies, and being attacked by the inhabitants of Selinus,
implored the aid of the Carthaginians, and put themselves and city under
their protection. At Carthage the people debated some time, what course it
would be proper for them to take, the affair meeting with great
difficulties. On one hand, the Carthaginians were very desirous to possess
themselves of a city which lay so convenient for them; on the other, they
dreaded the power and forces of Syracuse, which had so lately cut to
pieces a numerous army of the Athenians; and become, by so shining a
victory, more formidable than ever. At last, the lust of empire prevailed,
and the Segestans were promised succours.

The conduct of this war was committed to Hannibal, who at that time was
invested with the highest dignity of the state, being one of the Suffetes.
He was grandson to Hamilcar, who had been defeated by Gelon, and killed
before Himera; and son to Gisgo, who had been condemned to exile. He left
Carthage, animated with an ardent desire of revenging his family and
country, and of wiping away the disgrace of the last defeat. He had a very
great army as well as fleet under his command. He landed at a place called
the _Well of Lilybaeum_, which gave its name to a city afterwards built on
the same spot. His first enterprise was the siege of Selinus. The attack
and defence were equally vigorous, the very women showing a resolution and
bravery above their sex. The city, after making a long resistance, was
taken by storm, and the plunder of it abandoned to the soldiers. The
victor exercised the most horrid cruelties, without showing the least
regard to either age or sex. He permitted such inhabitants as had fled, to
continue in the city after it had been dismantled; and to till the lands,
on condition of their paying a tribute to the Carthaginians. This city had
been built two hundred and forty-two years.

Himera, which he next besieged and took likewise by storm, after being
more cruelly treated than Selinus, was en