Directory

240 BCE

The first Latin tragedy by Livius Andronicus, Achilles, is first produced. The Hellenistic period Mathematician Eratosthenes estimates the Earth's circumference to be 252,000 stadia, a figure between 2%-20% off modern measurements. Hanno the Great is given command of the Carthaginian forces. However, the mercenaries defeat the Carthaginian armies in the Battle of Utica.

Conflict & Security

  • Carthage decides to give Hamilcar Barca joint command with Hanno the Great. Hamilcar Barca is able to end the siege of Utica by the mercenaries. He is then placed in complete command of the Carthaginian forces and defeats the mercenaries in the Battle of the Bagradas River.source
  • Hanno the Great is given command of the Carthaginian forces. However, the mercenaries defeat the Carthaginian armies in the Battle of Utica.source
  • After the Numidian mercenary leader Narawas defects to Hamilcar Barca, Numidian reinforcements (about 2,000 men) help him defeat the mercenaries again. Hamilcar pardons his captured prisoners, accepting into his army anyone who will fight for Carthage, and exiling anyone who will not.source
  • The Libyan forces loyal to the mercenaries besiege the towns of Utica and Hippacritae, which refuse to defect to the mercenaries.source
  • Rome takes over full control of Sicily and stations a legion there.source

Technology & Infrastructure

  • The first Latin tragedy by Livius Andronicus, Achilles, is first produced.source

Science & Discovery

  • May 25 – Chinese astronomers make the first recorded observation of Halley's Comet.source
  • The Hellenistic period Mathematician Eratosthenes estimates the Earth's circumference to be 252,000 stadia, a figure between 2%-20% off modern measurements.source

Deaths

  • Callimachus, Greek poet and librariansource
  • Asandhimitra, Mauryan empress and wife of Ashokasource
  • Posidippus, Greek epigrammatic poetsource
  • Zou Yan, Chinese philosopher (b. 305 BC)source
  • The Qin general Meng Ao takes the Zhao cities of Long, Hu and Qingdu but then dies en route to the Wei city of Ji. This is then captured by Meng Ao's son Meng Wu.source
  • Aratus, Greek poet from Soli in Cilicia, best remembered for his poem on astronomy Phaenomena (b. c. 315 BC)source
  • Aristomachos the Elder, Greek tyrant from Argossource