BATTLE OF MYLAE

The First Punic War began in 264 B.C. and early on it became apparent it would be a war fought for control of Sicily. Since Sicily is an island, Carthage was confident it would win because of its powerful navy. The fact that Rome did not even have a navy Read more…

THE CORVUS

In the First Punic War, all warships were wooden, oared galleys. The standard tactic was called the diekplus (“break through”).  Fleets advanced line abreast (the galleys would approach in a side by side line). A few of the galleys would attempt to speed through a gap in the enemy line Read more…

THE SACRED CHICKENS

In 249, the Romans sent a fleet to recapture Drepana on Sicily during the First Punic War.  It was being used as a base for raids on the Italian coast.  Consul Publius Claudius Pulcher tried to arrive at dawn to catch the Carthaginian fleet sleeping.  Unfortunately, the enemy admiral was Read more…

REGULUS

In the First Punic War, after victories in naval battles at Mylae and Ecnomus, the Romans decided to invade North Africa and attack the city of Carthage.  The army was led by Rome’s best general – Regulus.  Regulus defeated the Carthaginian army at Adys, but his peace terms were too Read more…