Battle of Cape Ecnomus (256 BC) was the largest and bloodiest naval engagement between Rome and Carthage in First Punic War (264-261 BC). It was the third major battle between these two super powers of Mediterranean. This battle put Roman navy in number one position and pushed Carthaginian navy to the second spot. It showed the Battle of Mylae was not a fluke. In Battle of Mylae Carthaginian navy was not ready for "Corvus" (The hook like boarding device used by roman navy) and Rome caught them off guard. Here Carthage was prepared and tried to avoid and counter "Corvus" as much as they could but it was not enough. Roman naval tactics also developed and improved during this period. So, this battle was also the battle of two different tactics which ended in Roman victory. It was one of the largest naval battle of ancient era. Both sides used all they had in this naval engagement. Carthage lost this battle after a long fight and road to Africa was opened for a roman expedition.
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| Battle of Cape Ecnomus |
Prelude : After a shocking victory in Battle of Mylae (260 BC), The confidence of roman navy greatly boosted up. At this stage they planned an expedition in Carthaginian settlements in Africa. They were confident that their army could defeat Carthage. It was a risky plan because they had to neutralize the formidable Carthaginian navy. Carthage faced a stunning defeat in Mylae but their fleet was still powerful. Moreover they continuously patrolling their water to stop any expedition from Rome. In Mylae they took roman navy lightly but after Mylae situation had changed. They were now aware about the strength of roman navy and determined to stop their advance in Africa. After Mylae Carthage managed to defeat Roman army in Battle of Thermae (259 BC) under the command of Hamilcar (Not Hamilcar Barca). So, Carthage was not defeated and they still had the strength to counter roman attempt. Rome realized they had to transfer their troops in military ships because transport ships would be vulnerable if they got attacked. So, They built a fleet of 330 ships to guard the transportation of their expeditionary force to Africa. The two consuls Marcus Atilius Regulus and Lucius Manlius Vulso Longus were the commanders of the fleet. Roman transport ships set sail for Africa under the protection of their navy. Near Cape Ecnomus of Sicilian coast they encountered a large Carthaginian fleet and the battle began.
Naval Strength : Rome had 330 ships and around 140000 men including marines. Carthage had 350 ships and around 150000 men including marines. Carthaginian fleet was commanded by Hanno (The defeated general of Battle of Agrigentum) and Hamilcar (The victor of Battle of Thermae).
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| Fleet Engagement in Battle Cape Ecnomus |
The Battle : Main goal of roman navy to protect their transport ships. So, they formed three squadrons. The first two squadrons were advance guards and formed a wedge formation. The transport ships were under middle and the third squadron formed a straight line to protect the rear. Carthaginians faced them with conventional straight line. After seeing the Carthaginian fleet the first two squadrons advanced in wedge formation. Hamilcar was waiting for that and he started retreating slowly to lure the advanced squadrons away from transport ships. Soon a big gap formed between the transport ships and the advanced squadrons. The both wings of Carthaginian fleet now bypassed the advanced squadrons and attacked the transport ships in the middle. The tactics worked. The transport ships were vulnerable to these attacks and were pushed to the coast of Sicily. The left wing was busy with Transport ships and the right wing under Hanno was stopping the third squadron from reaching the transport ships. It was a brilliant plan and the execution was also going well but luck was not with Carthage that day. Hamilcar's forces were defeated by the advanced squadron's and he had to retreat with his remaining ships. Now the squadrons turned back and attacked the Carthaginian wings. One squadron attacked the left wing which was busy with transport ships and another attacked Hanno in the right wing. That turned the tide of the battle. Without any support from the center the left wing was destroyed and Hanno was under heavy attack from both sides. Soon most of his ships were sunk or captured and the battle was over.
Casualties : Roman loss was minimal compared to the Carthaginian loss. Rome lost 24 ships and around 10000 men in this battle while Carthage lost 94 ships (sunk or captured) and around 35000 men. Most of the ships were lost during the last stage of the battle.
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| Battle of Cape Ecnomus |
Aftermath : Carthaginian fleet suffered a great damage in this battle. Most of their ships were not in a position to stop the roman expedition of Africa. Rome also suffered losses and they had to anchor for repairing and resupply their transport ships. But the threat from Carthaginian navy was over and they could now pursue their goal to Africa. Soon after they landed their expeditionary force in Africa. I will cover it in my next post.
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