Arif Hodzic

Previously, the Greek city in Southeastern Sicily had fought alongside Carthage.

But in 263 BCE, after being attacked by the Romans once again, Syracuse decided it was safer to make peace.

The Romans now had an ally in Sicily.

They also gained financially from the deal and got additional manpower.

In 262 BCE, the Romans turned their attention to Agrigentum.

This fortified town in southern Sicily had become the main military base for the Carthaginians, making it an obvious target for Rome.

The Battle of Agrigentum was the first large-scale battle between Rome and Carthage.

After a lengthy siege, leading to desperate conditions inside the city, Rome and Carthage fought a pitched battle.

In addition to their infantry and cavalry, Carthage also had several dozen war elephants.

This wasn't the first time Roman troops had encountered elephants on the battlefield.

During the Pyrrhic War, about 20 years earlier, they had been forced to develop strategies for dealing with these imposing beasts.

Still, for young Roman soldiers at Agrigentum, it was likely their first unforgettable encounter.

In the end, Rome won the battle,

This was a turning point in the war, a sign that the Romans were stronger and more resilient than Carthage had predicted.

Once the Romans were in control of Agrigentum, they sold the city's population into slavery.

As harsh as this may seem, it was standard practice at the time, and not that surprising, given that the people of Aggregentum had resisted.

For the Romans, their actions in Aggregentum were likely intended as a warning to the rest of Sicily.

Here's what happens if you resist.

It's possible that this brutal behavior alienated towns that may have otherwise been friendly towards the Romans.

Nonetheless, by this point, it seemed that Rome could potentially gain control over much of Sicily.