Extract

The form of the name is uncertain, being attested variously as Maceus, Maleus, and Mazeus (the conventional modern name Malchus therefore misleading). The historicity of this Carthaginian general is also much disputed. According to Justin, he conducted successful expeditions in North Africa and in Sicily before suffering a major defeat in Sardinia. It is unclear whether he was fighting other Phoenician settlers, or fighting with them against third parties. After his defeat the Carthaginians sentenced him to exile along with the remnants of his army, but in response he and his troops besieged the city. During the siege, Malchus crucified his own son, a Carthaginian priest, apparently for disrespect. He then seized the city and, having killed ten senators, pardoned the rest of the population for his banishment. Shortly afterwards he was charged with treason and the murder of his son and was executed. His career represents the first-attested threat by a general and army to the civil government of Carthage.