Carthage wasn’t exactly a model of internal harmony. Tensions simmered between two powerful groups: the wealthy trading aristocracy and the land-owning elite. Meanwhile, the Libyan farmers—the backbone of Carthaginian agriculture—weren’t happy campers either. They frequently rose up in rebellion, frustrated by a government too weak to keep things in check. To make matters worse, the outer cities of the empire grew increasingly indifferent, watching from the sidelines as the central government fumbled.
Then came the spark that lit the powder keg: a seemingly minor incident escalated into a full-blown war with Rome. The real prize was Sicily—a rich and strategic island that both powers had their eyes on. Rome, however, had a bit of a problem—they weren’t exactly known for their naval strength. So what did they do? They stole a Carthaginian ship, reverse-engineered it, and built an entire fleet. But they didn’t stop there. They added a nifty innovation called the corvus—a boarding bridge that let Roman soldiers storm enemy ships like it was just another battlefield.
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Battle of Mylae (260 BCE): Rome chalked up its first major naval win. The corvus made its debut, and it was a game-changer.
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Battle of Ecnomus (256 BCE): Another Roman victory—one of the largest naval battles in ancient history.
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Battle near Carthage (255 BCE): It was a Punic counterstrike. Carthage held the upper hand here, defeating the Roman army led by the unlucky Regulus.
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Battle of Panormus (253 BCE): Romans bounced back with a land victory under Metellus.
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Battle of Drepana (249 BCE): Disaster struck. A storm wrecked the Roman fleet—a major Punic win without Carthage even lifting a sword.
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Battle of the Aegates Islands (241 BCE): The grand finale. Rome staged a stunning comeback and crushed the Carthaginian navy, forcing them to sue for peace.
And just like that, Rome emerged victorious, Sicily changed hands, and Carthage was left licking its wounds.
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