Rome and Carthage focused on their strengths as soon as the war for Sicily was declared. Rome quickly landed troops on Sicily, pushing back the small Carthaginian army and gave control back to their allies in Messana. In comparison Carthage retaliated quickly at specific targets before retreating quickly to sea with their superior navy. Rome’s original policy, to maintain the land as a neutral barrier, was not working and would give nothing to Rome in compensation for the loss of life and wealth the nation had suffered. Carthage’s hit and run tactics were beginning to earn them Sicilian land while Rome was conquering no land but fighting for other nations. To beat Carthage it became clear Rome would have to conquer and control the island.
