oman that had a naval triumph decreed him. A rostral pillar was
erected in his honour, with a noble inscription; which pillar is yet
standing in Rome.(669)

During the two following years, the Romans grew still stronger at sea, by
their success in several engagements.(670) But these were considered by
them only as essays preparatory to the great design they meditated of
carrying the war into Africa, and of combating the Carthaginians in their
own country. There was nothing the latter dreaded more; and to divert so
dangerous a blow, they resolved to fight the enemy, whatever might be the
consequence.

(M110) The Romans had elected M. Atilius Regulus, and L. Manlius, consuls
for this year.(671) Their fleet consisted of three hundred and thirty
vessels, on board of which were one hundred and forty thousand men, each
vessel having three hundred rowers, and a hundred and twenty soldiers.
That of the Carthaginians, commanded by Hanno and Hamilcar, had twenty
vessels more than the Romans, and a greater number of men in proportion.
The two fleets came in sight of each other near Ecnomus in Sicily. No man
could behold two such formidable navies, or be a spectator of the
extraordinary preparations they made for fighting, without being under
some concern, on seeing the danger which menaced two of the most powerful
states in the world. As the courage on both sides was equal, and no great
disparity in the forces, the fight was obstinate, and the victory long
doubtful; but at last the Carthaginians were overcome. More than sixty of
their ships were taken by the enemy, and thirty sunk. The Romans lost
twenty-four, not one of which fell into the enemy's hands.

The fruit of this victory, as the Romans had designed it, was their
sailing to Africa, after having refitted their ships, and provided them
with all necessaries for carrying on a long war in a foreign country.(672)
They landed happily in Africa, and began the war by taking a town called
Clypea, which had a commodious haven. From thence, after having sent an
express to Rome, to give advice of their landing, and to receive orders
from the senate, they overran the open country, in which they made
terrible havoc; bringing away whole flocks of cattle, and twenty thousand
prisoners.

(M111) The express returned in the mean time with the orders of the
senate, who decreed, that Regulus should continue to command the armies in
Africa, with the title of Proconsul; and that his colleagu