Libyan War

a rebellion against Carthage between 241 and 237 B.C. of Carthaginian mercenaries in Libya and of the local tribes of North Africa, including Libyans and Numidians.

The mercenaries, demanding payment of their wages, were supported by the local population, which suffered from high taxation. Mathos, a Libyan, and Spendios, a runaway slave from Campania, were especially popular rebel leaders. The insurgents won several major victories, capturing Tunes (modern Tunis). The movement spread to Sardinia; Utica and Hippo Diarrhytus joined the rebellion. Only after all the citizens of Carthage had been mobilized did General Hamilcar Barca succeed in driving the rebels into inaccessible areas; in 238 B.C. his troops killed about 40,000 insurgents. Altogether about 20,000 mercenaries and 70,000 natives took part in the rebellion, which was finally suppressed in 237 B.C.