What happened during the Roman invasion of North Africa in 256 BCE?
During the Roman invasion of North Africa in 256 BCE, as part of the First Punic War, a large Roman fleet defeated the Carthaginian fleet off Cape Ecnomus and successfully established a fortified camp at Clypea (modern Kélibia, Tunisia).12
Following this landing, the Roman commander Marcus Atilius Regulus achieved a severe defeat of the enemy at Adys. The Carthaginian citizen levy was disorganized, leading to widespread revolts among their subjects, and Carthage initially sought peace. However, the terms offered by Regulus were considered intolerably harsh, prompting Carthage to continue the struggle.21
Carthage subsequently reorganized its military under the guidance of a Greek mercenary captain named Xanthippus, who strengthened their forces with cavalry and elephants. In 255 BCE, this new army outmaneuvered and destroyed the bulk of Regulus’s forces near Tunis, leading to the capture of the Roman general. A second Roman fleet later arrived to evacuate the remaining troops after defeating the Carthaginian fleet off Cape Hermaeum.12