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The fall of 279 brought a couple of significant developments. Our Messanian allies in Sicily have been betrayed by another ally, the powerful Republic of Cathargo. A massive(as in, possibly upwards of 50,000 combined soldiers involved) battle seems inevitable according to Aedile Arvina who is about to be relieved but is still in the governor's suite as Rhegion. The Carthaginians are led by Mago, heir to the throne, so this is not some minor expedition they are engaging in.
This situation demonstrates the somewhat fluid state of diplomacy in the ancient world. The term 'alliance' would perhaps better be regarded as 'convenient friend of the moment', given that the Republic was previously allied with both sides(Messana and Cathargo) -- and after the declaration of hostilities, we're still allied with both sides! The dastardly betrayal hasn't changed a thing, we are allied with two sides that are now enemies and preparing to kill each other by the thousands, and nobody in the Senate sees a problem with this.
Consul Tiberius Coruncanius is the only person in a position to potentially do anything about this, and even he really isn't when you consider it would take him a year to reach Messana, by which point the issue would already have been decided. The most he could do is avenge the city if it falls, and starting a second war against the most powerful potential foe presently in existence might be lacking in common sense.
So we do nothing, and root for the Messanians. But it is also worth considering that honorless dogs from Carthage have shown their true colors ...
On the Aiakid front, the situation really forced a strategy upon the two consuls who now were in the welcome position of forging an offensive strategy. The Senate has wanted Thourioi taken for some time, and Laevinus Coffeium must capture Herakleia post haste to redeem Roman honor and capture the lost legionary eagle.
Coruncanius heads west along coast to Thourioi with the intention of moving on to Kroton, the current Aiakid capital: Coffeium will march on Herakleia and then east to the populous port of Tarentum at the heel. The tide of the war may have turned, but what surprises the Aiakids have up their sleeves is anybody's guess.
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