The Naval Terms of the Treaties between Rome and Carthage (241 B. C. and 201 B. C.)

Abstract

After centuries in which the relations between Rome and Carthage had been regulated by mutual treaties, a war broke out between the two important cities in the Western Mediterranean Sea in 264 B. C., that ended with significant losses for both parties. The conflict ended in 241 B. C. with the victory of the Romans, who drafted the clauses of a treaty which was not so drastic and therefore was easily accepted by the Carthaginians. Naval stipulations were among the peace conditions. The Carthaginians lost important naval cities in Sicily and in the neighbouring islands and were also forbidden to sail with battleships in Italian waters. The peace did not last too long and another conflict broke out in 218 B. C., which was also concluded with the Romans’ victory in 202 B. C.. The stipulations in the new treaty were harsher: the Carthaginians were forced to give up their possessions overseas, their naval force was reduced to 10 triremes and they were obliged to support the Roman fleet with ships in case of war.