Strategy & Tactics #336: First Punic War 264–241 BC is a two-player strategic wargame simulating the first great clash between the Roman Republic and the Carthaginian Empire. Spanning nearly a quarter of a century, this campaign of conquest and endurance defined the balance of power in the ancient Mediterranean and laid the foundation for Rome’s rise as a world superpower.

• Historical Background: In 264 BC, Rome and Carthage—two rising powers with vastly different military traditions—went to war over control of Sicily. What began as a regional dispute escalated into a 24-year struggle involving enormous land and sea battles, political intrigue, and staggering human cost. Rome’s disciplined legions faced Carthage’s veteran mercenaries, war elephants, and unmatched navy. This first Punic War would test the endurance and ingenuity of both empires, culminating in a hard-fought Roman victory that reshaped the ancient world.
• Gameplay & Objectives: One player commands Rome, controlling its expanding legions, Italian allies, and naval forces. The other leads Carthage, commanding its professional mercenaries, North African allies, and dominant navy. Players must balance campaigns across Sicily, Sardinia, North Africa, and the Western Mediterranean, managing logistics, manpower, and naval supremacy. Victory is determined by control of strategic locations and the ability to maintain political and military dominance over the long war.
• Game System & Scale: First Punic War captures the epic scale of ancient Mediterranean warfare through strategic gameplay and detailed unit representation. Each game turn represents three years of campaigning, while each hex covers 40 miles of terrain. Roman units represent legions with attached cavalry (4,000–5,000 men) and auxiliaries, while Carthaginian units include varied formations of 1,000–10,000 troops drawn from Africa, Iberia, and allied territories. Naval units represent fleets of approximately 50 warships each, allowing players to recreate the massive sea battles that defined the conflict. Leaders embody historical and hypothetical commanders, providing combat bonuses and command range.
• Strategic Challenges: The Roman player must develop a navy capable of matching Carthage’s maritime power while sustaining costly land campaigns across Sicily and beyond. The Carthaginian player must exploit mobility and naval superiority to outflank Roman forces and protect key ports. The shifting tides of war demand constant adaptation, as players decide when to press for decisive engagements or conserve their strength for the long war of attrition.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map covering the Western Mediterranean and North Africa
• 176 die-cut counters representing Roman legions, Carthaginian armies, and naval squadrons
• Comprehensive rulebook detailing movement, combat, sieges, and naval warfare
• Player aids and historical background material

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Strategic
Hex: 40 Miles
Turn: 3 Years
Units: Legions, Fleets, Auxiliaries, Mercenaries

Gameplay Focus: First Punic War 264–241 BC offers a grand-scale simulation of ancient warfare, combining military logistics, naval engagements, and political endurance. The design provides both historical accuracy and replayability, allowing players to test alternate strategies and experience the brutal contest that forged Rome’s Mediterranean empire.

Strategy & Tactics #336: First Punic War 264–241 BC is an essential title for fans of ancient history, strategic wargaming, and classical-era conflict.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s leading retailer for historical wargames, strategy titles, and military simulations for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast local shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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