67

Cn. Flavius 67

CHAPTER X.

THE FIRST PUNIC WAR. B.C. 264-241.

814. Foundation of Carthage 68

Its empire 68

Its government 68

Its army 68

Its foreign conquests 68

Conquest of Messana by the Mamertini 69

Hiero attacks the Mamertini 69

They apply for assistance to Rome 69

264. The Consul Ap. Claudius crosses over to Sicily to aid them 70

He defeats the forces of Syracuse and Carthage 70

263. Hiero makes peace with the Romans 70

262. Capture of Agrigentum by the Romans 70

260. The Romans build a fleet 70

Naval victory of the Consul Duilius 71

256. The Romans invade Africa 72

Their naval victory 72

Brilliant success of Regulus in Africa 72

The Carthaginians sue in vain for peace 72

255. Arrival of the Lacedaemonian Xanthippus 72

He restores confidence to the Carthaginians 73

Defeat and capture of Regulus 73

Destruction of the Roman fleet by a storm 73

The Romans build another fleet 73

253. Again destroyed by a storm 73

The war confined to Sicily 73

250. Victory of Metellus at Panormus 73

Embassy of the Carthaginians to Rome 73

Heroic conduct of Regulus 74

250. Siege of Lilybaeum 74

249. Defeat of the Consul Claudius at sea 75

Destru