Naval battle of the First Punic War near modern Trapani, western Sicily, with the Carthaginian fleet emerging victorious
Carthage's greatest naval victory of the First Punic War, keeping Rome from the sea for seven years and shifting maritime dominance to Carthage.
Key Facts
- Year
- 249 BC
- Conflict
- First Punic War
- Roman commander
- Publius Claudius Pulcher
- Carthaginian commander
- Adherbal
- Years before Rome fielded fleet again
- 7 years
- Location
- Drepana (modern Trapani), western Sicily
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
While blockading the Carthaginian stronghold of Lilybaeum, Roman consul Publius Claudius Pulcher decided to launch a surprise night attack on the Carthaginian fleet anchored in the nearby harbor of Drepana. The Roman fleet sailed under cover of darkness but became scattered, losing the element of surprise before reaching the harbor.
Carthaginian admiral Adherbal, alerted to the Roman approach, led his fleet out to open sea before it could be trapped in harbor. With room to maneuver, he counter-attacked, pinning the Romans against the shore. The more maneuverable Carthaginian ships with better-trained crews inflicted a crushing defeat on the Romans after a full day of fighting.
The Battle of Drepana became Carthage's greatest naval victory of the First Punic War. Carthage seized the maritime offensive and drove Rome almost entirely from the sea. Rome did not attempt to field a substantial fleet again for seven years, while Carthage placed most of its ships in reserve to reduce costs and free up manpower.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Publius Claudius Pulcher.
Side B
1 belligerent
Adherbal.