Battle of Otranto

1) Background-

Piracy was a major problem in the Mediterranean Sea in the 270's and 260's BC. Pirates from as far a way as Cilicia, Illyria, and the Black Sea. The rise of the Roman republic as the dominate power on the Italian peninsular allowed for easier raids and plundering expeditions since the the republic's navy was weak. In 270 B.C two Brutii Commanders Amulius and Aulus Brutus begun the conquest of Illyria and Epirus Taking the towns of Apollonia, Salona, and Segestica fully completing the conquest by 267 B.C.

2) Prelude-

A large group of rebel pirates, escaping Illyria, led by Antisthenes decided to travel to Italy to participate in a grand piracy expedition. The Brigands then proceeded to modern Posticeddu and raided nearby merchant vessels and shipping as well as attacking the coastline. Antisthenes then decided to travel to the port town of Otranto.

Tiberius Brutus leader of the Brutii hearing of this, dispatched an fleet from Brundisium led by Admiral Marcus to meet the Pirates in the bay of Otranto

3) Battle-

Marcus have arrived in the bay shortly after and spotted the pirates attempting to raid roman assets. Marcus turned his fleet around and charged into Antisthenes fleet. The pirates were caught completely off-guard and were decimated with all 100 ships being either sunk or captured and with 300 men killed. Antisthenes attempted to flee on land but was captured by Marcus men and was executed in Tarentum.

4) Aftermath-

Despite the great victory the battle did not end piracy in the Mediterranean and would continue for years. The pirate admiral Arpalos would attack italy and defeat the Brutii at the battle of Sazan Island.