v61_0032 - ZEUGITANA - CARTHAGE Shekel

ZEUGITANA - CARTHAGE

(241-238 BC)

Revolt of the Mercenaries (Libyans)

The first Punic War broke out in 264 BC. What was at stake was the domination of the Western Mediterranean and maritime trade. Rome is the ally of Hieron of Syracuse. The Romans win the naval victory at Myles in 260 BC The victory at Ecnome the following year allows the Romans to land in Africa, but Regulus is defeated and killed. Hamilcar Barca engaged in merciless guerrilla warfare over the next ten years. Finally, the Roman fleet crushes the Carthaginian fleet at the Aegate Islands in 241 BC. Carthage renounces Sicily and must pay an indemnity of 3,200 talents. The following years were marked by the conquest of Sardinia and Corsica in 238 BC. At the end of the war, part of the troops, mercenaries as well as former tribes, allies of the Carthaginians revolted. The war will last four years and precipitate the decline of Carthage in Africa as the city seeks revenge on its old enemy, Rome..