In the Second Punic War, after initial setbacks, the Romans, led by Regulus, launched a successful campaign in Africa. They captured the city of Aspis, raided the countryside, and were on the verge of victory. However, Regulus was recalled to Rome, and his successor's inexperience led to Roman defeats. Carthage hired Spartan general Xanthippus, who turned the tide in their favor, winning the Battle of Bagradas River.
Despite heavy losses, Rome rebuilt its fleet twice after devastating storms. Meanwhile, Carthage focused on defending Lilybaeum. The war dragged on for 23 years, exhausting both sides. Carthage, believing Rome couldn't rebuild another fleet, recalled its navy to focus on trade. However, Rome's determination surprised everyone, and the war continued.
1. After a massive battle at Cape, the Romans were free to land on African soil and took control of the city of Aspis .
2. The Carthaginians, who were more focused on defending their city, were unable to prevent the Romans from plundering the countryside .
3. The Romans took over and enslaved twenty thousand people, along with a large amount of food .
4. However, orders from the Senate dictated that the booty be sent back to Rome, leaving Regulus and his forces on their own .
5. The Carthaginians, in an effort to stop the Romans, set up in a rough hilly terrain overlooking the Roman camp and prepared for battle .
6. Despite being traditionally masters of the sea, the Carthaginians struggled due to issues such as loyalty among mercenaries, language barriers, and poor strategic decisions .
7. The Carthaginians, realizing they needed help, hired a mercenary from Sparta named Xanthapas to reform their army and improve their tactics .
8. Xanthapas reformed the Carthaginian army and met Regulus in the battle of the Bagadas river, resulting in a total Carthaginian victory .
9. Regulus, the Roman Consul, was captured during the battle and was later tortured to death for keeping his promise to return to Rome and convince the Roman Senate to surrender to the Carthaginians .
10. After their defeat in Africa, the remaining Roman survivors were rescued by the Roman fleet, which fended off a Carthaginian fleet .
11. The Romans lost nearly 80% of their fleet in a storm, leading to the loss of thousands of men. Despite this, they built 220 more ships in just three months .
12. The Romans shifted their focus back to the land campaign in Sicily, facing the Carthaginian stronghold on the island Lily bayam .
13. The Romans' late siege of Lily bayam was fierce and skilled, with progress being so slow that the siege would last another nine years .
14. The Carthaginians sent their greatest military general, Hamelkar Barca, to the island to engage in a campaign of guerrilla warfare .
15. In 241 BC, the Carthaginian politicians sent word to Hamelkar Barca that he was on his own and could choose to make peace with the Romans if he wished .
16. The Romans imposed extremely punishing terms on the Carthaginians, including leaving Sicily to the Romans, returning all of their prisoners, and paying a massive amount of silver over the next 20 years .
17. The war ended with the Romans having gained Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia, marking the beginning of Roman expansion beyond the Italian Peninsula .