Sicily turns allies into rivals

Mamertine mercenaries employed by Syracuse seized Messana after a dispute over pay. When Syracuse advanced against them, they appealed to both Rome and Carthage for assistance. Messana's position beside the toe of Italy had provided useful separation between the powers. Carthaginian intervention brought that power close to Rome's doorstep, although the Mamertines subsequently expelled the Carthaginians. Rome crossed while the Carthaginian fleet was absent and took control of Messana. Syracuse and Carthage withdrew from the siege, but the intervention turned the local dispute into war. Carthage expected its command of the sea to outweigh Rome's weak navy.