Sicily and the Mediterranean · Animated schematic fronts

First Punic War

Rome and Carthage fought from 264 to 241 BCE over influence in Sicily; the war included naval battles and a Roman invasion of North Africa. After the Roman victory, Carthage ceded Sicily.

This north-to-south line moves westwards across Sicily, organising the main changes in Roman and Carthaginian strongholds. It is not a continuous battlefront, precise occupation boundary or map of every Sicilian city. Syracuse and other allies retain their own interests; the Roman fill does not everywhere mean direct Roman administration. Naval battles are linked to the relevant phase, not represented as land fronts. Closing edges are graphic frames including parts of the sea. Snapshot dates and smooth transitions do not provide an exact chronology of local conquests.