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275 BCE
Roman Conquest of Italy
-Established Rome's sphere of influence in the north
-Began long invasion of Sicily, rivaling Carthaginian dominance
-Caused the exhaustion of Rome, depleted resources
https://tinyurl.com/2tysd9m8 -
264 BCE
Battle of Messana
-Caused by a mercenary conflict in Sicily
-Both powers responded to the cry for help
-Roman legion fought a Carthaginian army over the city, Roman victory
https://tinyurl.com/2s3rfw3m -
256 BCE
Battle of Ecnomus
-Marked turning point in naval superiority
-Largest naval battle of the time
-Destroyed Carthaginian naval projection, Roman victory
https://tinyurl.com/3y46j929 -
249 BCE
Sacred Chickens
-Publius Claudius Pulcher, Roman consul, refused to listen to warning signs of coming defeat given by sacred chickens
-Drowned the chickens
-Out of 123 ships on the Roman side, 93 captured, 20,000 killed, Roman fleet destroyed
https://tinyurl.com/2fywcpy7 -
244 BCE
Capture of Eryx and Hamilcar Barca
-Hamilcar Barca commenced multiple raids against Italian cities, ravaging the Southern peninsula
-Sailed under cover of night, massacred Roman garrison of the city Eryx
-Small Carthaginian victory, no major gains
https://tinyurl.com/5hfwb2ey -
241 BCE
Battle of Lilybaeum
-Carthaginian Fleet sunk by Romans, establishing complete naval dominance
-Cemented Roman dominance of Sicily
-Carthaginian surrender, gained debt of 3,200 talents
-Carthage gained massive debt, seized territory
https://tinyurl.com/2tysd9m8