The First Punic War: 264-241 BC

The North African city of Cathage had the greatest navy in the Mediterranean Sea in the 3rd century B.C. Cathage controlled most of North Africa, and also controlled the islands of Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia, and most of Southern Spain in Europe. It controlled all of the trade in the Mediterranean Sea and was wealthy from its gold and silver mines in Spain.

At the same time, the Romans were expanding their power in the Italian peninsula. These two mighty powers were bound to meet!

To the south of Italy was the island of Sicily. The Carthaginians controlled the western part of that island. However, the people of Sicily revolted against the Carthaginians and called on Rome for help. The Roman armies were eager to fight the Carthaginians and take over the island of Sicily for themselves!

The First Punic War broke out in 264 BC. It was fought entirely on the island of Sicily. Rome conquered many of the Carthaginian cities on Sicily. Then when Carthage sent its navy, the Romans completely destroyed their ships. For the first time since the rise of the Carthaginian empire, they had lost power over the sea-ways.

The war ended with neither side winning over the other. In 241 BC, the Carthaginians and Romans signed a treaty in which Carthage had to give up Sicily, which it didn't miss. They also had to pay the Romans money to cover the costs for the war, which it could well afford.

Map showing Carthage and Rome.

Map showing the Carthaginian Empire