The Beginnings of the Roman Fleet. 509-264 B.C.

  • Decebal Nedu History Museum of Galaţi
Keywords: the First Punic War, Roman Republic, maritime affairs, Roman ships, Roman fleet

Abstract

By the starting years of the First Punic War, the accounts of the ancient literary tradition about Rome’s involvement in maritime affairs are scarce and lack the necessary clarity. The first two Roman-Carthaginian treaties from 509 and 348 B.C. mention navigation bans for the Roman ships; however it is very likely for the two agreements to refer to the trading vessels. The year 311 B.C. records the official foundation of the Roman naval force by the establishment of a double naval magistracy, duumviri navales. This bright start has not led to a remarkable development of the Roman fleet. A squadron of 20 ships sent by the Romans in the Ionian See was destroyed by the Tarentine fleet in 282 B.C. In 278 B.C., through the provisions of the forth Roman-Carthaginian treaty, it was set that Rome was to receive naval aid from its contrahent from the North Africa Coast. Entered into within the context of the war against Tarentum and the king Pyrrhus of Epirus, this agreement is a proof of the low development of the Roman military navy at the end of the 4th century B.C. and during the first decades of the following century.

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Author Biography

Decebal Nedu, History Museum of Galaţi

Ph.D., Researcher, History Museum of Galati

Published
2007-12-02
How to Cite
Nedu, D. (2007). The Beginnings of the Roman Fleet. 509-264 B.C. The Annals of "Dunarea De Jos" University of Galati. Fascicle XIX, History, 6, 7-16. Retrieved from https://www.gup.ugal.ro/ugaljournals/index.php/history/article/view/867
Section
ISTORIE VECHE ŞI ARHEOLOGIE