Hanno (Messana garrison commander)

In 265 BCE, the Mamertines who were occupying Messana were being threatened by Hiero II of Syracuse.

[2] The Carthaginians were first to respond, dispatching a small force commanded by Hanno to occupy the citadel of Messana and patrol the strait of Messina.

[4] Gaius Claudius, a military tribune, was sent in advance by the consul Appius Claudius Caudex with a few ships to Rhegium, a city allied to the Romans on the opposite side of the strait, on the Italian mainland.

[6] Gaius Claudius, it would seem, ignored the gesture and tried again to cross the strait to Messana; this time successfully.

The Carthaginians subsequently crucified Hanno for what was regarded as cowardice and lack of judgement in leaving the citadel of Messana.