LILYBÆUM (modern Marsala), in Ancient Geography, a city of Sicily, was situate on a promontory of the same name, forming the most westerly point of the island, and distant from Africa about 90 geographical miles. It was built and fortified by the Carthaginians, for the reception of the inhabitants of Motya, when that city was sacked by Dionysius of Syracuse, in B.C. 397. Owing to its fortified strength, its safe harbour, and its proximity to Africa, it soon became the chief stronghold of Carthaginian power in Sicily; and, in B.C. 276, successfully withstood a siege of two months from Pyrrhus, after all the other cities of Sicily had been reduced. During the first Punic war it baffled the besieging Roman troops for more than nine years, till it was ceded, at the close of the struggle, in B.C. 241, according to the conditions of the treaty of peace. Though only a Roman provincial town, it continued prosperous; and, in the second and third Punic wars, and for many years after, it was often the mustering-ground for forces about to invade Africa. After the ruin of the Roman empire, it passed successively into the hands of the Goths, Vandals, and Arabians. Some portions of an aqueduct, coins, vases, and pieces of sculpture, are among the few remnants of the ancient city.