|
The third century before the common era was a time of empire-making and empire-breaking especially in the western Mediterranean, where a conflict was brewing that would shape the future of the known world. |
First Punic War (264-241BC)
(- threads, 26 posts)
 Caius Lutatius Catulus
Historical Thread
|
"The crews were rehearsed and drilled every day in the manoeuvres they would need in battle... By these methods he [Lutatius] raised them in a short time to the conditions of athletes trained for a contest." Polybios, The Histories 1.5.9
Being consul in 242BC, the first of his family to do so, Catulus took command of the newest Roman fleet. He immediately took steps to prevent Carthaginian suppiues reaching Drepanum, Lilybaeum and Mount Eryx, the last three Punic enclaves in Sicily. Catulus was personally involved in the fighting and took a severe wound to the thigh. While he recovered, his army honed their naval skills. His intention was that the next time the Romans met the Punii in battle they would be their equal in skill - he was wrong - they were better. Catulus attacked a Carthaginian relief fleet at the Aegates Islands and the Romans showed their new found class. They sank fifty ships and captured another seventy. This was too much for Carthage as she sued for peace. Unlike Regulus, Catulus did not press harsh terms and had the honour of accepting the Carthaginian surrender. Both he and his praetorian colleague Valerius Falto were granted triumphs.
|
4 Posts Viewing 4 - 1 |
Gaius Lutatius Catulus (* Kallistos Alexandros, Aug 13, 2005 - 10:30 ) Catulus Caesar (* Kallistos Alexandros, Aug 9, 2005 - 22:37 ) Was there not a Catulus Caesar? (* Quintus Julius Caesar, Aug 8, 2005 - 22:04 ) Catulus (* Neima Nebet, Oct 14, 2004 - 18:10 )|
4 Posts Viewing 4 - 1 |
