Battle of Messana

The Battle of Messana in 264 BC was the first military clash between the Roman Republic and Carthage. It marked the start of the First Punic War. In that period, and after the recent successes in southern Italy, Sicily became of increasing strategic importance to Rome.

Battle of Messana
Part of the First Punic War
Date264 BC
Location
Messana (modern Messina)
Result Roman victory
Belligerents
Roman Republic Carthage
Syracuse
Commanders and leaders
Appius Claudius Caudex
Manius Valerius Maximus Corvinus Messalla
Manius Otacilius Crassus		 Hanno
Hiero II
Strength
9,000 soldiers 12,000 Syracusan and Carthaginian cavalry, hoplites and mercenaries
Casualties and losses
1,340 casualties 6,000 casualties

Background

The Greek historian Polybius states in Book One of The Histories: "Even after long consideration, the (Roman) Senate did not approve the proposal to send help to Messana; they took the view that any advantage which would result from relieving the place would be counterbalanced by the inconsistency of such an action. However, the people who had suffered grievously from the wars that had just ended and were in dire need of rehabilitation of every kind, were inclined to listen to the consuls. These men, besides stressing the national advantages I have already mentioned which Rome could secure if she intervened, also dwelt on the great gains which would clearly accrue to every individual citizen from the spoils of war, and so a resolution for sending help was carried. When his decree had been passed by the people, one of the consuls, Appius Claudius, was appointed to command an expedition, and was given orders to cross to Messana."[1]

After this, the Mamertines forced the Punic garrison out of Messana and invited the Roman force into the city. The Carthaginians crucified the garrison commander, Hanno (not the son of Hannibal), on his return to Carthage for what was regarded as his cowardice and lack of judgement in leaving Messana.[2]

Battle

The Romans quickly defeated the Syracusans, then moved against the Carthaginians. The light infantry skirmished but soon fell back. The Roman and Carthaginian infantry engaged in the centre, while the cavalry fought on the flanks. However, the Romans gained the upper hand, and the Carthaginians retreated.[3]

Route taken by Punic army in order to reach Messana.
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See also

References
  1. Historical Background Archived 5 May 2009 at the Wayback Machine Messana I - 264 BC Romans vs Syracusans. Retrieved on 14 December 2008.
  2. Polybius, 1:11.4-5
  3. Diodorus Siculus, Biblioteca Historica, 23.1.2

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