He was a man of great activity and military talent, and the Romans at first were no match for him.

He seemed in a fair way to regain all Sicily.

The apathy of the Senate was so great, that at last some private citizens built and manned at their own expense a fleet of 200 sail.
GAIUS LUTATIUS CATALUS, the Consul in command, surprised the enemy and occupied the harbors of Drepana and Lilybaeum in 242.

A Carthaginian fleet which came to the rescue was met and destroyed off the AEGATES INSULAE in 241.

Hamilcar was left in Sicily without support and supplies.