The Carthaginians used faster ships to attack and disengage, while Roman corvi made close contact dangerous. As the leading Roman squadrons pursued, attacks on the rear and the ships towing horse transports divided the action into three fights. The Romans released the transports so that their escorts could fight. A Roman fleet of about 330 ships divided into four squadrons faced about 350 Carthaginian ships arranged in three groups. Those totals suggest different local balances: the two leading Roman squadrons could outnumber the Carthaginian center, while the detached Roman units faced larger opponents. Exact squadron strengths remain estimates, and none of the separate engagements produced an immediate decision.
Chapter · 1:40:37-1:46:31
How Ecnomus fractured into three fights
Carthaginian speed and feigned withdrawal pulled apart the Roman wedge, producing three closely fought engagements across the water.