Fifth part of First Punic War

Battle of Cape Economus

Roman republic decided to invade Carthaginian colonies on the Africa in 256 BC. The Roman’s fleet was built and has two parts: first comprised from transport ships which had all equipment and food, second comprise from warships which protected transport ships. Carthage also was ready on the invasion from the Roman side, so when Carthage heard about campaign which was organized by Rome that they sent them fleet to the Sicily in order to destroy all Roman’s ships before as they got to the coast in Africa. A both fleets met near the Cape Economus. The battle of Cape Economus took place in 256 BC, Roman’s fleet had about 330 ships(according to Polibius)and was commanded by consul Marcus Atilius Regulus and second consul Lucius Manlius Vulso Longus against to Carthage’s fleet which had about 350 ships and was commanded by Hamilcar and Hanno. After great victories such as battle near Mylae cape Roman’s fleet changed tactic because of transporter ships. Roman’s fleet was shared in three parts: first and second secured transports, third secured rear. Transport ships was between three parts fleet. Carthage’s fleet was shared according to traditional long line on four parts with centre command by Hamilcar and flanks command by Hanno. Flanks with Hanno attacked at first but was too small to win with two columns Roman’s fleet. Centre command by Hamilcar very swiftly started to retread. Hopeless tactic of Carthage caused next great victory in naval battle of Roman republic. Roman’s fleet also used special bridged call corvi to board ships. In this battle Roman republic lost 24 ships, Carthage lost 30 ships and 65 was captured.