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Naval Battles: Antiquity to 1200

In this area, we examine naval battles from antiquity through 1200. Use these resources to better understand wars at sea in the ancient and early medieval worlds.
First Punic War: Battle of the Aegates Islands
The Battle of the Aegates Islands occurred in 241 BC during First Punic War. Sailing from Carthage, Hanno the Great sought to relieve the beleaguered army of Hamilcar Barca on Sicily. Intercepted by the Roman fleet near the Aegates Islands, Hanno's fleet was defeated effectively ending the war.
Roman Civil Wars: Battle of Actium
The Battle of Actium was fought September 2, 31 BC off Actium, Greece between Octavian and Mark Antony. After the two fleets clashed for several hours, Cleopatra fled Actium with her ships. Seeing this, Antony followed allowing his fleets to be destroyed. Actium was the deciding battle in the conflict between the two men.
Battle of Salamis, 480 BC
A translation of Herodotus' account of the stunning Greek victory over Xerxes' fleet in the Strait of Salamis during the Persian War.

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