Sack of Agrigentum, 254 B.C.

In the aftermath of the failed Roman invasion of Punic North Africa, the focus of events in the First Punic War turned back to Sicily. Carthage was able to reinforce her garrisons on the island, now under the overall command of Carthalo. He decided to attack Agrigentum, a former ally captured by the Romans eight years earlier (siege and battle of Agrigentum, 262 B.C.).

Carthalo’s attack was a success. The city was captured and once again suffered a sacking. Diodorus, our source for this event, reports that the survivors took refuge in the temple of Zeus (the city itself soon revived). The capture of Agrigentum was the main success of a Punic campaign against Roman occupied cities in Sicily in 254. However it was overshadowed by the Roman capture of Panormus, one of the most important Carthaginian bases on the north coast of Sicily.

cover The Punic Wars, Adrian Goldsworthy. An excellent work which covers all three Punic wars. Strong on both the land and naval elements of the wars.
cover cover cover
How to cite this article: Rickard, J (pending), Sack of Agrigentum, 254 B.C. , http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/sack_agrigentum.html

Help - F.A.Q. - Contact Us - Search - Recent - About Us - Privacy