Roman Generals > Aulus Atilius Calatinus
Aulus Atilius Calatinus
Background
Aulus Atilius Calatinus was a Roman military commander who lived during the 3rd century BCE. He is best known for his role as a consul and his command during the First Punic War against Carthage. Here's an overview of his life and achievements. Aulus Atilius Calatinus served as a consul of the Roman Republic in 258 BCE, alongside Gnaeus Cornelius Blasio. Prior to his consulship, Calatinus likely had a distinguished military career, although details about his early exploits are scarce.
First Punic War:
During his consulship, Aulus Atilius Calatinus was assigned command in Sicily, which was a crucial theater of conflict in the First Punic War against Carthage. In 258 BCE, Calatinus led Roman forces in a successful campaign against the Carthaginians, capturing the important city of Mytistratum (modern Mistretta) in northeastern Sicily. Following this victory, Calatinus conducted further military operations in Sicily, consolidating Roman control over strategic territories and defending against Carthaginian counterattacks.
Aulus Atilius Calatinus also participated in naval engagements against the Carthaginians during his consulship. In 258 BCE, he commanded the Roman fleet in a successful battle against the Carthaginians off the coast of Sicily, achieving a significant victory and securing Roman dominance at sea in the region. After his consulship, Aulus Atilius Calatinus likely continued to serve the Roman Republic in various capacities, although specific details about his later career are not well-documented. His contributions to the First Punic War, particularly his successes in Sicily, would have enhanced his reputation as a capable military leader and statesman within Rome.
Legacy:
Aulus Atilius Calatinus is remembered for his service to the Roman Republic during a critical period of its history, specifically his role in the First Punic War.His victories in Sicily contributed to Rome's eventual triumph over Carthage in the conflict, consolidating Roman control over the island and laying the groundwork for its expansion into the western Mediterranean.
While Aulus Atilius Calatinus may not be as well-known as some other Roman commanders of the period, his accomplishments during his consulship, particularly in Sicily, demonstrate his effectiveness as a military leader and his significance in the context of the First Punic War.
