Sicily's western coast had been colonized by Phoenicians, who founded the colonies of Panormus and Lilybaeum. The Greeks had established colonies on the eastern and southern coasts of the island, in Messana, Mylae, Syracuse and Gela. In 264 B.C., a conflict between Syracuse and Messana led the Greek mercenaries defending Messana to call for Roman assistance. Other parties called on the Carthaginians. The Romans answered the call, and when they arrived, the Carthaginians were already in control of the island.
The ensuing war between Rome and Carthage lasted 23 years. Most of the fighting took place on the island of Sicily and in naval battles in the surrounding waters. By the time the war was over, the Carthaginian fleet had been destroyed, and the island of Sicily was surrendered to Rome, becoming its first "province."
A century and a half later, Sicily was the center of a major slave rebellion known as the Second Servile War.