The Romans, learning of this defeat, sent a fleet of 350 sail to relieve
their comrades who were shut up in Clupea. While on its way, it gained a
victory over the Carthaginian fleet off the Hermean promontory, sinking
114 of the enemy's ships.

It arrived at Clupea in time to save its friends. The war in Africa was
now abandoned. The fleet, setting sail for home, was partly destroyed in
a storm, only eighty ships reaching port.

Hostilities continued for six years without any great results. Panormus
was taken in 254; the coast of Africa ravaged in 253; Thermae and the
island of Lipara were taken in 252, and Eryx in 249.

DREPANA and LILYBAEUM were now the only places in Sicily, held by
Carthage. A regular siege of Lilybaeum was decided upon, and the city
was blockaded by land and sea; but the besieging party suffered as much
as the besieged, its supplies were frequently cut off by the cavalry of
the Carthaginians, and its ranks began to be thinned by disease.

The Consul, Publius Claudius, who had charge of the siege, determined to
surprise the Carthaginian fleet, which was stationed at Drepana (249).
He was unsuccessful, and lost three fourths of his vessels. Another
fleet of 120 sail sent to aid him was wrecked in a violent storm.

The Romans were now in perplexity. The war had lasted fifteen years.
Four fleets had been lost, and one sixth of the fighting population.
They had failed in Africa, and the two strongest places in Sicily
were still in the enemy's hands. For six years more the war dragged on
(249-243).

A new Carthaginian commander, HAMILCAR BARCA (Lightning), meanwhile took
the field in Sicily. He was a man of great activity and military talent,
and the Romans at first were no match for him. He seemed in a fair way
to regain all Sicily. The apathy of the Senate was so great, that at
last some private citizens built and manned at their own expense a fleet
of 200 sail.

GAIUS LUTATIUS CATALUS, the Consul in command, surprised the enemy and
occupied the harbors of Drepana and Lilybaeum in 242. A Carthaginian
fleet which came to the rescue was met and destroyed off the AEGATES
INSULAE in 241. Hamilcar was left in Sicily without support and
supplies. He saw that peace must be made.

Sicily was surrendered. Carthage agreed to pay the cost of the
war,--about $3,000,000,--one third down, and the remainder in ten annual
payments. Thus ended the First Punic War.

CHAPTER XIII. ROME AND CARTHAGE BETW