The first Roman-Carthaginian treaty - concluded in the VI century BC. e. the treaty between Rome and Carthage , as well as their allies.
This contract and its conditions are mentioned only in Polybius . Therefore, a number of researchers doubt the existence of this document. In addition, in their opinion, the historian admits inaccuracies in specifying the time of the conclusion of the contract. Although it should be noted here that Polybius immediately stipulates that the text of the document is “in a translation made with possible accuracy, because even the Romans have a current language that is so different from the ancient one that some expressions of a treaty can be understood only by very knowledgeable and attentive readers.
According to the testimony of Polybius, the contract was concluded during the first Roman consuls Lucius Junius Brutus and Marcus Horace , that is, in 509 or 508 BC. e.
Under the terms of this treaty, the Romans and their allies could not swim beyond the Beautiful Cape . Exceptions were only those circumstances when it was necessary to cross this border due to bad weather or interference by the enemy. However, even in this case, it was forbidden to remain on the shore for more than five days, as well as to make acquisitions not related to the repair of ships or the offering of sacrifices to the gods.
In the part of Sicily subordinate to the Punians, the Romans should have equal rights with the Carthaginians. However, in Libya and Sardinia, Italian merchants could conduct their trading business only through the mediation of Carthaginian officials.
For their part, the Carthaginians pledged to refrain from attacks on Latin cities, both subordinate to Rome and independent, and also could not build their fortifications in Latium .
Sources
- Polybius General History (III.22.1-13, III. 23.1-6)