289 – 264 BC
The Mamertines and Messana
In 289 BC Italian mercenaries known as Mamertines, formerly in the pay of Syracuse, seize Messana on the strait between Sicily and Italy. Hard pressed by Hiero II of Syracuse, they ask both Carthage and Rome for help in 265 BC. Carthage acts first, persuades Hiero to hold back and places a garrison in the city.
A bronze coin of the Mamertines of Messana with a warrior, about 220 to 200 BCWikimedia Commons, HJunghans, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Mamertiner BMC 25.JPG)
The Roman Senate cannot agree, and the question goes to the popular assembly. The consul Appius Claudius Caudex holds out the prospect of plentiful booty, and the assembly votes to accept the appeal. Caudex is given two legions and orders to cross to Messana.
The Strait of Messina from Mount Dinnammare, with the harbour of Messina below and the coast of Calabria across the waterWikimedia Commons, Edd48, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Strait of Messina from Dinnammare.jpg)
Before he arrives the Mamertines expel the Carthaginian garrison. Carthage crucifies its commander, Hanno, for giving up the city, and sends an army that besieges Messana together with the Syracusans.
Sources
- Polybius, Histories, book 1, 10 to 12.
- John Lazenby, The First Punic War (1996).
- Adrian Goldsworthy, The Fall of Carthage (2006).
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