Ancient World
Celtic Invasion of Greece (279 BC): Brennus Attacks Delphi
The Gauls ravaged Macedonia and central Greece but were repulsed at Delphi; survivors moved on to Thrace and Anatolia.
Region
Europe
Ancient World
Battle of Asculum (279 BC): The Original Pyrrhic Victory
Narrow and costly victory for Pyrrhus; Rome refused to make peace and Pyrrhus soon left for Sicily.
Ancient World
Galatians: The Celtic Invaders Who Settled in Anatolia
Three Celtic tribes settled central Anatolia, raided their neighbours for decades and eventually became the Roman province of Galatia in 25 BC.
Ancient World
Aristarchus of Samos (c. 270 BC): The First Sun-Centred Universe
Aristarchus' heliocentric model was rejected in antiquity, but it was later recognised as an early anticipation of Copernicus.
Ancient World
Gladiatorial Games in Ancient Rome: Origins, Arenas and End
Gladiatorial combat became a central Roman public spectacle for some 600 years before fading out in the 5th century AD.
Ancient World
First Punic War (264-241 BC): Rome and Carthage Clash at Sea
Roman victory; Carthage gave up Sicily and paid a large indemnity, and Sicily became Rome's first overseas province.
Ancient World
Battle of Mylae (260 BC): The Corvus and Rome's First Naval Win
Roman victory; Carthage lost around 45 to 50 ships and Duilius celebrated Rome's first naval triumph.
Ancient World
Battle of Cape Ecnomus (256 BC): A Giant Naval Clash of Antiquity
Roman victory; the Carthaginian fleet lost about 94 ships and the Romans landed an army in Africa.
Ancient World
Battle of the Aegates Islands (241 BC): First Punic War Ends
Decisive Roman victory; Carthage sued for peace, gave up Sicily and paid a heavy indemnity, ending the First Punic War.
Ancient World
Eratosthenes Measures the Earth (c. 240 BC): Syene and Alexandria
Eratosthenes estimated Earth's circumference at 250,000 stadia, a figure within roughly 1 to 16 percent of the true value, depending on the stadion used.
Ancient World
Siege of Saguntum (219 BC): Hannibal Provokes War With Rome
Hannibal captured and sacked Saguntum; Rome declared war on Carthage in 218 BC, beginning the Second Punic War.
Ancient World
Battle of the Trebia (218 BC): Hannibal's First Great Victory
Decisive Carthaginian victory; most of the Roman army was killed or scattered, and the Gauls of northern Italy joined Hannibal.