Daily Roman Fact:

During the First Punic War at the navel Battle of Drepana in 249 BC the consul at the time, Publius Claudius Pulcher, was itching for a decisive victory. As is custom, though, they needed to perform a rite to see if good fortune awaits. In this instance the sacred chickens were offered food and if they ate battle would commence. Unfortunately, they were not hungry. Upset at the bad omen he announced, "Since they do not wish to eat, let them drink" and threw them over the side of the boat. The battle began and the Roman were soundly defeated by the Carthaginian navy.

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