In 265 BC, Hiero II of Syracuse had attacked Messana (modern Messina) in an attempt to capture it from the Mamertines, mercenaries from Campania who had taken it some years before.
He led a force to Messina and, as the Mamertines had convinced the Carthaginians to withdraw, he met with only a symbolic resistance.
The Mamertines handed the city over to Appius Claudius, but the Carthaginians returned and laid siege to Messana.
He then led his troops outside the city, defeated the Syracusans in battle, and Hiero retreated back to Syracuse.
Following these victories Appius laid siege to Echetla but after the loss of many troops returned to Messana.