The Battle Of The Aegates Islands The government of Italy has announced the eminent discovery of a number of ships sunken in The Battle Of Aegates off the coast of Sicily during the First Punic War. This battle which took place on March 10, 241 BCE, resulted in the sinking of many Carthaginian ships and it appears that some of these may be raised for study. The Roman fleet was commanded by Gaius Lutatius Catulus assisted by the praetor, Quintus Valerius Falto and Hanno was in command of The Carthaginians. “Catulus' first move was to besiege Lilybaeum once more, by blocking its harbor and the connection to Carthage. The purpose was to cut Hamilcar Barca's supplies and communication lines. The Carthaginian fleet arrived for relief soon afterwards. Hanno called a halt near the Aegates Islands to wait for a favorable breeze that would speed him to Lilybaeum. However, the fleet was spotted by Roman scouts and Catulus abandoned the blockade to meet his enemies. In the morning of March 10, the wind blew to favor the Carthaginians and Hanno immediately made sail. Catulus then measured the risk of attacking with the wind in his prow versus the risk of letting Hanno reach Sicily and relieve Hamilcar Barca and Lilybaeum. Despite the unfavorable conditions, the consul decided to intercept the Carthaginians and ordered battle formation. Perhaps due to the carried provisions and their extra weight, or to the inexperience of hurriedly levied crews, Hanno did not take advantage of the favorable wind and lost the battle that followed. More than half of the Carthaginian fleet was captured or sunk, the rest escaped when the wind changed.” Quoted from Wikipedia The raising of these ships for study shall take some time, but they should provide a wealth of information both archaeological and historical.