Appointment of Valerius Falto
The Senate assigned the praetor Quintus Valerius Falto to serve as Catulus's second-in-command for the renewed Roman naval campaign.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
242 in Roman Empire
Explore 18 historical events and records for Roman Empire in 242.
Historical records for Roman Empire in 242
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Capture of Marsala
Captures Marsala
Command of New Roman Fleet
Catulus took charge of a newly constructed Roman fleet intended to restore maritime superiority after years of costly naval warfare.
Command of Roman Legions
Catulus assumed command of the Roman legions assigned to the Sicilian theater and coordinated their operations with the fleet.
Consul
Appointed Consul
Declaration of War from the Temple of Janus
Before the eastern campaign departed, Timesitheus helped oversee a formal declaration of war using traditional Roman ceremonies associated with the Temple of Janus.
Defeat of Carpi in Thrace
While moving the imperial army toward the East, Timesitheus defeated raiders in Thrace and secured the Balkan route for the continuing Persian expedition.
Departure for Sicily
Catulus sailed for Sicily with Roman troops and a newly raised fleet to intensify pressure on the remaining Carthaginian positions on the island.
Election as Novus Homo
In 242 BC, Gaius Lutatius Catulus entered the consulship as a novus homo, reaching Rome's highest annual magistracy without belonging to an established consular family.
Entry into the Praetorian Guard
Around 242, Gaius Julius Priscus became a member of the Praetorian Guard during the reign of Gordian III and entered the emperor's senior military circle.
Judicial Duties in Alexandria
Priscus exercised judicial responsibilities in Alexandria, reflecting the unusually wide administrative authority entrusted to him in the eastern provinces.
Organization of Persian Expedition
Timesitheus assembled and financed a large expeditionary army for the war against Shapur I, drawing experienced troops from the Rhine and Danube frontiers.
Praetorian Prefecture
Priscus rose to the praetorian prefecture during Gordian III's reign, placing him among the most powerful equestrian officials in the Roman state.
Private Financing of Fleet
The fleet used in Catulus's campaign was financed largely through contributions from wealthy Roman citizens because the prolonged war had exhausted the public treasury.
Procurator of Macedonia
Priscus held the procuratorship of Macedonia, adding provincial financial administration to the sequence of senior offices associated with his career.
Service in the Persian Expedition
Priscus accompanied the imperial forces involved in Gordian III's eastern expedition against the Sasanian Empire and gained influence during the campaign.
Sicilian Command
Because his consular colleague was prevented from leaving Rome, Catulus received primary responsibility for directing Roman operations against Carthage in Sicily.
Siege of Trapani
Blockades the port of Trapani
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.