4th-century BC battle in Sicily
| Battle of Messene (397 BC) |
|---|
| Part of The Sicilian Wars |
| Date | Spring, 397 BC |
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| Location | |
|---|
| Result |
Carthaginian Victory |
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Territorial
changes |
Ionian Greek city Messene sacked |
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|
| Belligerents |
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|
Messene |
Carthage |
| Commanders and leaders |
|---|
|
Unknown |
Himilco II, Mago |
| Strength |
|---|
|
Unknown |
50,000, 200 Triremes & 300 transports |
| Casualties and losses |
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|
Unknown |
Unknown |
The Battle of Messene took place in 397 BC in Sicily. Carthage, in retaliation for the attack on Motya by Dionysius, had sent an army under Himilco, to Sicily to regain lost territory. Himilco sailed to Panormus, and from there again sailed and marched along the northern coast of Sicily to Cape Pelorum, 12 miles (19 km) north of Messene. While the Messenian army marched out to offer battle, Himilco sent 200 ships filled with soldiers to the city itself, which was stormed and the citizens were forced to disperse to forts in the countryside. Himilco later sacked and leveled the city, which was again rebuilt after the war.