When the outnumbered and underexperienced Roman fleet met the veteran Carthagin Ian fleet near Ecnomus off the coast of Sicily, the result was a major Roman victory. The ability of the Roman fleet to react almost instantaneously to Carthaginian maneuvers won the day. Whether through foresight or accident, the Romans showed a superior tactical ability.

Plate 1

The Roman fleet advances in a triangular formation. Feigning retreat in the center, the Carthaginian right and left wings attempt to out-flank the Roman vessels. Seemingly taken in by the trap, the Roman triangle forges directly ahead into the retreating Carthaginian center.

Plate 2

The Center of the Carthaginian fleet turns to face the oncoming Roman triangle. However, to the surprise and dismay of the Carthaginians, the Romans disperse their fleet. Cutting the transports loose, the tow ships move off to meet the oncoming Carthaginian left wing, while the escorts peel off to confront the approaching Carthaginian right wing.

Plate 3

The Carthaginian strategy of encircling the Roman fleet has now been completely disrupted, as the battle has now been reduced to three separate engagements. The Romans are able to rapidly disrupt the Carthaginian center with superior numbers. They are now able to detach a contingent to aid the escorts now engaged with the Carthaginian right wing. The Roman tow ships continue to draw the Carthaginian left wing away from the other engagements.

Plate 4

Having dispersed the Carthaginian center and right wing, the rest of the Roman fleet is now free to attack the Carthaginian left wing. Caught in a vice, the left wing of the Carthaginian fleet is sunk or captured. The tow ships are now free to rescue the drifting transports.

[In the diagrams, oblongs represent contingents of fighting galleys; squares are Roman transport vessels; triangles are tow ships for the transport vessels. The Carthaginian fleet is shown in red, while the Roman ships are represented in brown.]

Chicken of the Sea

Fowl Auspices During the Punic War
The Roman Quinquereme
Battle of Ecnomus