Directory

265 BCE

Although the Egyptian fleet blockades the Saronic Gulf, the Macedonian King Antigonus II defeats the Spartans and kills the king of Sparta, Areus I near Corinth, after which he besieges Athens. The Archimedes screw for raising water is devised by the Greek mathematician Archimedes, who is studying at Alexandria. The Battle of Messana (265-264 BCE) takes place as the first military clash between the Roman Republic and Carthage.

Conflict & Security

  • Although the Egyptian fleet blockades the Saronic Gulf, the Macedonian King Antigonus II defeats the Spartans and kills the king of Sparta, Areus I near Corinth, after which he besieges Athens.source
  • Hiero II threatens to renew his attack on the Mamertines. They appeal to Carthage and receive the support of a Carthaginian garrison. The Mamertines also appeal to the Romans who are also willing to help.source
  • The State of Zhao stations general Li Mu in Yanmen Commandery, where he proceeds to win multiple victories over the Xiongnu.source
  • Acrotatus II succeeds his father Areus I as king of Sparta.source
  • The Battle of Messana (265-264 BCE) takes place as the first military clash between the Roman Republic and Carthage.source

Science & Discovery

  • The Archimedes screw for raising water is devised by the Greek mathematician Archimedes, who is studying at Alexandria.source

Crime & Justice

  • The Etruscan city of Volsinii is brought under Roman control. During a siege, the consul Quintus Fabius Maximus Gurges is killed.source

Births

  • Agis IV, king of Sparta (approximate date)source
  • Ziaelas, king of Bithynia (approximate date)source

Deaths

  • Xuan, Chinese queen dowager of Chu (b. 338 BC)source
  • Xiang of Qi, Chinese king of Qi (Warring States Period)source
  • Quintus Fabius Maximus Gurges, Roman consulsource
  • Alexinus, Greek philosopher of Elissource
  • Areus I, king of Sparta (killed in battle)source