r Barca, took command in Sicily
and infused new life into the Carthaginian forces. From the citadel of
Hercte first, and later from Eryx, he continually harassed the Romans not
only in Sicily but even on the coast of Italy. Finally, in 242 B. C., when
their public treasury was too exhausted to build another fleet, the Romans
by private subscription equipped 200 vessels, which undertook the blockade
of Lilybaeum and Drepana. A Carthaginian relief expedition was destroyed
off the Aegates Islands, and it was impossible for their forces, now
completely cut off in Sicily, to prolong the struggle. Carthage was
compelled to conclude peace in 241 B. C.

*The terms of peace.* Carthage surrendered to Rome her remaining
possessions in Sicily, with the islands between Sicily and Italy, besides
agreeing to pay an indemnity of 3200 talents (about $3,500,000) in twenty
years. For the Romans the long struggle had been very costly. At sea alone
they had lost in the neighborhood of 500 ships and 200,000 men. But again
the Roman military system had proven its worth against a mercenary army,
and the excellence of the Roman soldiery had more than compensated for the
weakness in the custom of annually changing commanders. Moreover, the
military federation which Rome had created in Italy had stood the test of
a long and weary war, without any disloyalty being manifest among her
allies. On the other hand, the losses of Carthage had been even more
heavy, and, most serious of all, her sea power was broken and Rome
controlled the western Mediterranean.

*The revolt of the Carthaginian mercenaries.* Weakened as she was after
the contest with Rome, Carthage became immediately thereafter involved in
a life and death struggle with her mercenary troops. These, upon their
return from Sicily, made demands upon the state which the latter found
hard to meet and consequently refused. Thereupon the mercenaries mutinied
and, joining with the native Libyans and the inhabitants of the subject
Phoenician cities (Libyphoenicians), entered upon a war for the
destruction of Carthage. After a struggle of more than three years, in
which the most shocking barbarities were practised on either side and in
which they were brought face to face with utter ruin, the Carthaginians
under the leadership of Hamilcar Barca stamped out the revolt (238 B. C.).

*Rome acquires Sardinia.* Up to this point Rome had looked on without
interference, but now, when Carthage sought to re