First Punic War Timeline

Definition

The First Punic War (264-241 BCE) was fought between Carthage and Rome largely over control of Sicily. The war was fought on the island, at sea, and in north Africa. Both sides enjoyed victories and suffered near-catastrophic defeats. The Romans, with seemingly inexhaustible resources, adapted to the necessities of naval warfare and eventually won.

More about: First Punic War

Timeline

264 BCE
The Mamertines at Messana on Sicily call for Carthaginian and then Roman help in defence against Syracuse, sparking the First Punic War.
264 BCE - 241 BCE
First Punic War. Carthage cedes Sicily to Rome.
c. 263 BCE
Antaros and 3000 Celts fight with Carthage in the First Punic War.
263 BCE
Segesta joins the Roman cause in the First Punic War.
262 BCE
Rome besieges and sacks Agrigento on Sicily in one of the first actions of the First Punic War.
260 BCE
First Roman naval victory against Carthage off Mylae in the First Punic War.
260 BCE
Rome builds a fleet of 120 ships in just 60 days to fight the First Punic War.
258 BCE
Rome wins a naval battle against Carthage at Sulcis during the First Punic War.
256 BCE
Roman naval victory against Carthage off Ecnomus during the First Punic War.
256 BCE
Rome lands an army of four legions on African soil at Clupea during the First Punic War.
256 BCE
Rome wins a land battle south of Tunis during the First Punic War.
255 BCE - 253 BCE
Roman fleets are wrecked by storms off Pachynus and Palinurus during the First Punic War.
255 BCE
Carthage sues for peace during the First Punic War but the Roman consul Regulus' excessive demands are rejected.
255 BCE
A Carthaginain army led by the mercenary Spartan commander Xanthippus defeats two Roman legions near Tunis during the First Punic War.
254 BCE
Romans capture Palermo during the First Punic War.
Jun 250 BCE
A Carthaginian army led by Hasdrubal is defeated by Roman consul Metellus near Palermo in the First Punic War.
249 BCE
Carthage defeats Rome in a naval battle at Drepanum during the First Punic War.
249 BCE
Antaros withdraws his support from Carthage.
247 BCE
Hamilcar Barca raids southern Italy and then lands on Sicily during the First Punic War.
244 BCE
Hamilcar Barca captures Eryx on Sicily during the First Punic War.
242 BCE
A Roman fleet besieges the Carthaginian stronghold of Drepana on Sicily during the First Punic War.
241 BCE
Roman naval victory off the Aegates Islands leads to victory over Carthage, ending the First Punic War.