Battle of Mylae
Sea off Mylae (modern Milazzo), northern Sicily, Italy
What happened
The new Roman fleet under the consul Gaius Duilius fought the Carthaginian fleet under Hannibal Gisco. During the First Punic War, Rome, a land power, built a fleet to challenge Carthage, the great sea power of the day. The Romans fitted their ships with the 'corvus', a swinging bridge with a spike that dropped onto an enemy deck so soldiers could cross over. With it they captured about 30 Carthaginian ships, including the flagship.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was Rome's first victory at sea. It showed that a new idea could turn land soldiers into a winning navy.
What came next
A victory column with an inscription honouring Duilius was set up in the Roman Forum. The victory helped Rome win control of Sicily.
Did you know?
According to the historian Polybius, Rome copied the design of its warships from a Carthaginian ship that had run aground, though historians think he may have exaggerated.
Timeline
- 260 BCERome is at war with Carthage in the First Punic War.
- 260 BCERome builds its fleet and fits it with the corvus.
- 260 BCEDuilius wins the Battle of Mylae.
- After 260 BCEA victory column honouring Duilius is raised in the Forum.