Chapter X: The First Punic War. B.c. 264-241

814. Foundation of Carthage 68

Its empire 68

Its government 68

Its army 68

Its foreign conquests 68

Conquest of Messana by the Mamertini 69

Hiero attacks the Mamertini 69

They apply for assistance to Rome 69

264. The Consul Ap. Claudius crosses over to Sicily to aid them 70

He defeats the forces of Syracuse and Carthage 70

263. Hiero makes peace with the Romans 70

262. Capture of Agrigentum by the Romans 70

260. The Romans build a fleet 70

Naval victory of the Consul Duilius 71

256. The Romans invade Africa 72

Their naval victory 72

Brilliant success of Regulus in Africa 72

The Carthaginians sue in vain for peace 72

255. Arrival of the Lacedæmonian Xanthippus 72

He restores confidence to the Carthaginians 73

Defeat and capture of Regulus 73

Destruction of the Roman fleet by a storm 73

The Romans build another fleet 73

253. Again destroyed by a storm 73

The war confined to Sicily 73

250. Victory of Metellus at Panormus 73

Embassy of the Carthaginians to Rome 73

Heroic conduct of Regulus 74

250. Siege of Lilybæum 74

249. Defeat of the Consul Claudius at sea 75

Destruction of the Roman fleet a third time 75

247. Appointment of Hamilcar Barca to the Carthaginian command 75

He intrenches himself on Mount Herctè, near Panormus 75

He removes to Mount Eryx 75

241. Victory off the Ægatian Islands 76

Peace with Carthage 76

End of the War 76