History of Wars Summary 15 - The First Punic War Part 7: The Battle of the Aegates Islands

After 249 BC, Rome faced continuous difficulties in naval warfare and could not easily capture Carthage's Lilybaeum in Sicily. To end the war, they had to restore their naval power. Despite the nation's depleted finances, Rome decided to build a new fleet. According to historical accounts, wealthy citizens voluntarily contributed their assets to fund the construction of the fleet. In 241 BC, Rome advanced west of Sicily with its newly built fleet and attacked the Carthaginian fleet at the Battle of the Aegates Islands. The Carthaginian fleet had many sailors who were not sufficiently trained for battle and could not withstand the Roman fleet's assault. Carthage suffered heavy losses in this battle, decisively breaking the balance of the long-standing war. Carthage found it increasingly difficult to supply troops to Sicily, and eventually began peace negotiations with Rome. The Battle of the Aegates Islands became the de facto final major naval engagement of the First Punic War.