During the First Punic War (264-214 BC) between Rome and Carthage, Rome for the first time had to deal with an enemy at sea. Carthage, situated on the north coast of Africa, had up to that time held a firm grip on trade in the Mediterranean Sea.
With colonies in Spain and in Sicily, just a few miles off the coast of mainland Italy, Carthage presented a serious threat to expanding Rome. To defend its interests at sea, Rome built its first fleet.
These war ships were equipped with large numbers of rowers and a look-out tower, as well as a strong battering ram at the front. A new invention were the drawbridges. These bridges could be lowered and secured to the enemy ship using huge iron spikes, to provide access for the Roman soldiers.
The main object of the war was the control of Sicily and its lucrative trade. When Carthage lost the war, it was obliged to cede its Sicilian possessions to Rome, as well as pay a heavy indemnity.
