He failed to prevent the Roman landing in Africa, being defeated at the Ecnomus in 256 BC, one of the largest naval battles in antiquity, with the loss of 94 ships, to the Romans' 24. After the Roman invasion of Africa, Hamilcar was recalled by Carthage from Sicily. He was defeated by Marcus Atilius Regulus at the Battle of Adys in 255 BC.
He was unable to stop the Roman invasion of Africa, being defeated at the Ecnomus in 256 BC, one of the largest naval battles in antiquity, with a significant loss of ships to the Romans' much smaller fleet. Following the Roman conquest of Africa, Hamilcar was recalled from Sicily by Carthage.