Carthage and the lost Libyan War

[CountofDooku]

Good point. Also Carhage is much weaker in this time-line, even at peace Hannibal will once defend Hanno, because Iberia offers way more population (and manpower) as well as resources than Africa/Libya. Even with all of Libya/Numidia and Mauretania conquers back by Hanno he would still be in the weaker position. Helping his ally Massylii against Carthage and Masaesyli would be essential for further alliances and diplomacy I guess. But after attacking Carthages Colonies in Mauretania a march trough Numidia and the tribal and nomads lands of Masaesyli is not easy (even less so in the coming winter). Also there is a Roman Army on it's way to Iberia (unsure if it would swift the opinion in the Iberian League towards Rome once again) but it would pose a treat in Iberia without Hannibals famous march across the Alps this could put him in a purely defensive position there I guess and his state is not as good administrates, governed or with the same infrastructure than these of the Romans yet. As for the planned African campaign; Hanno and Carthage may be weakened but they still dominate the sea even if Hannibals two fleets get finished they have the stronger and better trained navy so an easy landing near Carthage or Massylii is out of the Option I think. Leaving the Pillars of Hercules for crossing over with the treat of a Carthage Invasion with their fleet and army anywhere on his Iberian Coast still remaining. The standardizing of the Falcatesair in his army over the winter could be a important step forward, but nearly half a year without help for Massylii could mean there defeat. Maybe a attack on Tingis (and creating a form of buffer/ally in the mauri tribes surrounding it) is the best option to further weaken Hannos faction in Carthages Senate (and taking pressure from southern Iberia and it's western sea trade), seeing how insecure African territory still is even after focusing on straighten it in the last decades an by doing so forcing peace on Carthage for Carthago Nova and Massylii? But even then I think Hanno would use the Masaesyli to further weaken Massylii from another flank, claiming that Carthage is honoring the peace tread by not attacking itself?

 

[CountofDooku]

Chapter 13: Macedonia and Hellas, the beginning Hegemony War

By the end of the summer, Macedons Ally Achaea was near collapse. Philip the V, meanwhile was marching down the coast west of Aetolia, starting from Epirus and ending in Calydon, where he received news of a pending invasion to Macedon. He returned to his homeland, but the invasion never took place. The news of Hannibals victories and conquests in Spain arrived and Philip hoped to have similar results in his war for Hegemony over Hellas before the Romans could interfere any further than they had already done in Illyria, Eoidamnus and Apollonia.

In the winter of 219-218 BC Philip secretly took his army to Corinth, and from there down to southern Elis, winning victory after victory against the surprised Eleans, and he retook Phigalea. He then moved back up through Achaea and from there made a campaign against northern Elis and was met with similar success. That summer, he took a fleet to Aetolia and devastated the city of Thermum, in the middle of Aetolian land, and then retreated back westward to land he had previously conquered in the summer of 219 BC. From there he sailed back to Corinth and marched to Sparta, where he made many successful raids before returning to Corinth to deal with soldiers dissatisfied with the low yields of plunder. After a failed attempt at a peace conference, Philip returned home for the winter of 218-217 BC.

In the summer of 217 BC, Aratus managed to provide some new organization of Achaea that enabled them to hold off Elean raids. At the same time Philip V took the city of Thebes in Phthiotic Achaea, but was forced to leave in order to deal with dissatisfied Illyrians who wanted more spoils of war.

(map showing the roman west coast of Hellas, the Kingdom of Macedon, Epirus in light green, Aetolian League in pink, Boetia in blue, Achaea League in brown, Sparta in red, the Kingdom of Pergamum in dark green, the Selucid Kingdom in yellow, the Possessions of Lagides in pink and the last colour are the independent states and cities. The circles show either an alliance to Macedon or Aetolia)

Hesperia/Iberia:
In the last land of the west Hannibal had used his previous victories, to ensure that the Iberian League, even if opposing his full rule over Hesperia would stay neutral, while he prepared for his campaign in Africa. Had his father accepted the river of Segura (not the Ebro) as his zone of influence in Iberia and not promised to cross it Hannibal now offered the Iberian League the river Sucro as the boarder he would not cross in Iberia. The Iberian League accepted these terms and Rome was also pleased. Still the Roman delegation hoped for peace between Carthage and Carthago Nova and strongly opposed any move Hannibal would do against the Iberian League and Africa itself. While the first term was acceptable Hannibal could not tolerate raids from Carthage against his coast or trade routes and the threat the western Carthaginian cities posed for his state. While the Júcar treaty allowed him to call out for the Iberian League to contain and stop boarder raids from tribes like the Celtiberi to secure peace between both powers.

That gave Hannibal peace for his campaign in Africa and the tribunes, trade, leases and taxes flowing to Carthago Nova allowed him to build banks and modern buildings in a rapidly growing capital city with a good and secure natural harbor. Clearly the Carthaginian fleets and Armies in the Baleares and near Tingis posed a continuing thread to Hannibals plans. As rumors arrived in Carthage, that Hannibal was building two strong fleets, the Carthaginians wanted to stop him, before he could engage them at sea, like the Romans did in the Punic War (or Roman War). Hanno the great ordered his fleet in Tingis to march north and attack Hannibals fleet before it was finished. His army and fleet in the Baleares receive the orders to attack Carthago Nova if that was possible without endangering the possession of the just recaptured Baleares themselves.

His fleet arrived on the coast of the city Olisipo, where Hannibal had gathered his fleet build by the Lusitanian, Gallaeci and smaller coastal tribes. The carthaginian admiral was surprised to sea that Hannibal, the great tactician and strategist like the Iberian called him had only build a few galleys and warships, that were still on land in the city, while most of his fleet at sea was composed of smaller trade ships and similar types. He attached the great fleet of small ships to enable Hannibals ability to land in Africa. It was one of the easiest battles he had ever fought, soon many of the Carthago Novanian ships where in flames, but there formation was holding. It was then, as they arrived in boarding distance, that he could see what really was going on. The ships of Hannibal where merely manned with a few sailors and those jumped in the water to swim to the coast as they get nearer to the Carthaginian fleet. Hannibal's small ships were all connected by chains and now that the Carthaginian commander saw that rather their own crew set them on fire instead of his attacks he could sea the trap that he stepped into. But it was too late, the burning fleet caused a panic in his own fleet some ships turned around, some were pinned against each other. Every Carthaginian sailor and soldier stuck on such a ship jumped in the cold sea, hoping to swim to safety instead of burning on his ship. The commander managed to reach the coast, where Carthaginian ally and confederate troops took them prisoner. Only a few Carthaginian ships survived and were undamaged enough not to get captured, but to sail back to Tingis. Now it begins to dawn on the fleet Commander; Hannibal was long gone to attack Africa itself, the fleet was just a trap for his fleet that could have stopped Hannibal's invasion.

With his faster troops (mostly cavallery) Hannibal had indeed reached the Pillars of Hercules, combined them with a part of Hasdrubal's army and did something even his brother, as well as Maharbal in Tingis and many other called either madness or genius. In the beginning autumn/fall before the season for war was totally over, the Romans could arrive in Hesperia, or Hanno the Great could finish of his ally Massylii totally. Hannibal used the army of his brother Hasdrubal to build enough rafts to cross the Pillars of Hercules at the smallest point with his full army, including cavalry and elephants, gave the command and protection over all of Hesperia Megalos to Hasdrubal and ordered Mago with his most fastest troops (few infantry, mostly cavalry and ships) to land in Numidia and to help Massylii by combining their troops before winter arrived. It wouldn't be enough, but it should hold Hanno of long enough before the new year and by than the situation in Africa would have dramatically changed.

In the meantime the roman army had arrived in Messilia and their strength together prepared their diplomats managed to convince the trading town to stop any form of support and supply for General Xanthippos, his Army and the Iberian League. For that Messilia was allowed to annex the territories around the Greek cities of Rhode and Emporion directly and form a defensive alliance with Rome. Xanthippos without further the support from Messilia agreed and Messilia gained a major dominance of the northeastern trade in Iberia. Their influence over the Iberian League transferred back to Rome, but there trade influence and territory thanks to the treat of Emporion with Rome was now greater than ever in Iberia.

In the meantime Mago had arrived with his fastest troops at the court of Massinissa the numidian King of the Massylii and offered him his troops and his command in honor of their alliance with Carthago Nova before winter arrived. Together they planned the defense of the Carthaginian attacks on Sufetula, Theveste, Madaurus and Cirta. While it hurt Mago like Hannibal to fight his Phoenicians, and Liby-Phoenicians brothers, he knew that the traitor Hanno the Great that had split the Carthagian Senate and state had to be stopped at all cost if they ever hoped to reunite both Phoenicians states and all their former land under one senate and Shophet ever again.

 

[CountofDooku]

Chapter 14: Battles over Massylii

Mago and Massinissa knew that Hanno the Great had the better trained troops and the bigger army. But Mago suggested to Massinissa that the defense of Massylii could best be mastered in relying on their strongest qualities, a nomadic life style and their strong cavalry. The Carthaginian offensive on Sufetula, Mactaris, Theveste, Madaurus, and Cirta was soon attacked at their march trough the mountains and deserts of Numidia, well known to the Massylii Numidians, but the end of the known world for Carthage. Sure they had trade with these cities, but the terrain, the routes and their knowledge was restricted to those known surroundings. The numidian troops under Mago and their Carthago Novanian backup used roads and paths unknown to the Carthagians and raided their depots, supply lines and isolated garrisons that where supposed to guard these. The knowledge Mago gained from these skirmishes and battles, would later benefit Hannibal and Massinissa in their war against between Massylii and the Carthaginian ally of Masaesyli as well as Hanno in Carthage himself. Mago adopter some sort of guerrilla warfare and even if Carthaginian could conquer Cirta their advance on Mactaris wasn't only stopped but the Carthagian army without supplies and reinforcements was nearly annihilated at the Battle of Mactaris (also called the Numidian Mountain Battle). The first major setback for Hanno the Great in his plans to reconquer all lost Carthaginian lands in Africa, the same plans Hannibal had, but without the Tyrann Hanno as the Leader of his people.

Battle of Tingis

The Battle of Tingis was the first really main confrontation between Carthago Nova and Carthage in Africa and a turning point in the Iberian War. Maharbals new trained army and mercenaries where shocked at Hannibals crossing of the Pillars of Hercules and advance towards Tingis caused fears in the population.

But Hannibals army was weakened from the recent Battle against Maharbal but he has gotten reinforcements by allied and confederate tribes in Iberia. With his new organized army of 20.000 soldiers, 10.000 cavalry and 26 war elephants Hannibal had tried to cross the Pillars of Hercules. His recent losses in Iberia where 16.000 killed or injured and Hannibal lost another 3.000 from Gades to Tingis most of them at the crossing of the Pillars of Hercules.

One of the first things he did, when he was in Africa had been to seek trade for supply and mercenaries from the local mauric tribes. Not all where willing to aid him, but some where open to trade and nearly every tribe that knew or heard of his victories and army size was against any further aid for Maharbal and Carthage and preferred to stay neutral till the fighting between the Phoenician was over.

Maharbals new army was recruited mostly from Phoenician and Carthage, or Liby-Phoenicians because of the disaster with African tribes warriors and mercenaries in his last battle against Hasdrubal. Again he had raised an army of 40.000 infantry (mostly Hoplites, half Carthaginian, half mercenaries and some tribal warriors), 10.000 cavalry and 32 war elephants. Hannibals army was as improvised, because he had trained his soldiers to be Falcatesair, getting rid of the long Hoplite pikes and the more modernized Hoplon. His army of 19.000 (mostly improvised Falcatesair), 8.000 cavalry and 17 war elephants.

Maharbal hoped in crushing the center with his hoplites and war elephants, while flanking Hannibal with his cavalry. Hannibal on the other side hat a similar tactic, by using his Falcatesair and war elephants in the center he wanted to surround his enemy by his battle-tested Carthago Novan, Numidian and Iberian cavalry. At first Maharbals troops where in the offensive, but as his Hoplites and war elephants reached the lines of Hannibal he was in for a nasty surprise. While Hannibals Falcatesair threw their spears to thin out the phalanx of Maharbal and then engage the disordered troops in short combat with their Felcata, Hannibals war elephants, still equipped with the longer pikes of the Hoplites fought Maharbals war elephants from a greater distance to kill them one by one or to cause them to too flee and to overrun their own troops. Just as planned Hannibals stronger armored, better equipped and battle-tested cavalry won the battles at the flanks and then cased Maharbals fleeing cavalry before they turned around and crushed the flanks and the back of Maharbals troops. While Hannibal lost 4.000 to 5.000 infantry as well as some cavalry and some elephants, Maharbal lost 28.000 infantry, over 6.000 cavalry and nearly all of his elephants.

After returning to Tingis, Maharbl was arrested, because Hannibal had conspired with the pro-Carthago Novan faction of the city to overwhelm the garrison and to open the gates for Hannibals troops if he was victorious. Soon after Hannibal controlled all Carthaginian cities in Mauretania, from Tingis to Rusadir and up to Lixus and Sala. This defeat caused a strong opposition in the Senate of Carthage to rise against Hanno after these two defeats against Massylii and Carthago Nova. But Hanno the Great hoped for a turning point thanks to his ally Masaesyli, who was now attacking Massylii from behind and preparing to raid the cities and tribes in Mauretania that had allied themselves with Hannibal.

 

[CountofDooku]

Chapter 15: Gymnasium Anníbas Bárkas (Education Hannibal Barca)

Maharbals defeat and Magos victory in Africa were a dream and a nightmare all at once. The victory for Hannibal was great but he saw the problems of a future for Carthage in Libya (Africa) if such wars and tactics occurred more often. The same way Carthago Nova and his citizens where a minority in Hesperia, the same way the Carthagians where a minority in Africa. Hannibal already planned to ally himself with some tribe and to integrate them into his state but beyond the mountains there was desert and he couldn't afford to concentrate all his power to Africa alone with European states like Rome and Messilia as future rivals, even if he could integrate local tribes and grow the infrastructure and agricultural land even further and secure the new boarderland with walls and fortifications.

He needed a greater base for a population majority in his state, much more than the Phoenicians, Greek, Helleni-Phoenicians (Greek-Phoenicians), Ibero-Phoenicians, Liby-Phoenicians and some Libyan, Mauritanian and Numidian tribes could offer him. Sure a increasing birth rate could help but Hannibal had another solution. Like Alexander that had tried to Hellenize the people of his Empire he aimed for the same goal. With the trade roads, traders, garrisons and new founded cities he also build Gymnasium in Hesperia. Institutions for educational and sporting that had one major purpose. While his economy and his coins already ruled most of Hesperia at the moment, Hannibal wanted to rule it in another way. These Gymnasiums should teach about the Helleni-Phoenicians culture, their faith and other education. Always build as monumental buildings next to great temples for local or own gods and chiefs they should show the local population the might, power and greatness of Carthago Nova, (and also Carthage/ Phoenicians and Greeks in general) and the cultural benefits that came with these culture, religion and way of living.

At the same time Hannibal ordered to search the young slaves and hostages send to Carthago Nova for promising individuals. These chosen ones should become more than Confederate, Metic or Paroikoi and have the right to some day gain full citizen rights. Not Phoenicians, Greek, Helleni-Phoenicians (Greek-Phoenicians), Ibero-Phoenicians, Liby-Phoenicians or Libyan, Mauritanian and Numidian by blood they should become so by mind Hannibal hoped. New citizen, educated to live, embrace and love the way of live as a Helleni-Phoenician in mind, state, culture and religion. When grown-up they whould return to their people and by doing so spread the Helleni-Phoenician influrence to these tribes, cities, states and people.

Hasdrubal the Navigator:

While Hannibal and Mago waged the war against Hanno the Great in Lybia/Africa the government of Hasdrubal was ready for action in Hesperia. He used the riches of his state to finish the navy in Carthago Nova that Mago had begun to secure the own coast against Messilia and Carthage and prepared this fleet and one of his armies for a invasion of the Baleares. More important was his order for two expeditions on the west coast. One int the north had the order to expand the trade with Britain and to found new trade ports and cities on the coast of Gaul and south and southwest Britain as well as explore the rest of the coast in the north of Gaul/Britain/Europa as far as possible. The other expedition should benefit from the defend of the western Carthaginian fleet in the same way, but turn south. Trade with the conquered cities and allied or friendly tribes in Mauretania as well as own colonies was just one goal. These fleet should follow the route of Hanno the Navigator and establish new trade ports further south in the west coast of Libya in search of new trade partners, land or resources as far as possible. These new trade routes should one day be ruled by a reunited Carthage Hasdrubal hoped and making the greatest city ever seen by mankind even wealthier, and bigger than ever before.

(Encounters with the native population)

(Hanno the Navigators first trip in western Libya)

 

[Orisha91]

I completely forgot about a rather important player.

The Garamantes Empire.

Not sure how much they'd want to interfere with the current war, but they'll definitely be a powerful player in control of a large share of the trans-Saharan trade network.

They've probably got quite a bit more leverage than they do over the more coastal states OTL at this time thanks to the war weakening their northern neighbors. Maybe the Massylii can look to them for support to tip things further in their alliance against Carthage?

Here's some info on them.
http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/pdf_files/132/1326355537.pdf

Maybe they can be convinced to create a shortage on trade onto Carthage to starve them out into accepting peace?

 

[CountofDooku]

The Garamantes are a powerful player in the trans-Saharan trade network and their influence to the boarders of Massylii and Libya is quiet stronger than OTL (and we will here more from them soon). But their boarder clashes and attack on colonies from the Libyan state (and to a much more extend from the Libyan against the Garamantes, by building colonies and expanding the green coastal strip in the region together with their zone of influence) made them a sometimes open, sometimes not so open (and even trading with the Libyan, Massylii or Carthage state) enemy of Libya (and Hanno is the enemy of this enemy, his defeat could mean they maybe even grab more Libyan lands and get stronger). Thanks to this Hanno is conspiring with them about attacking Massylii and Libya to regain his lost territories there and to conquer his lost territory. For the moment they are in peace with both empires, because of the trade trough them, but if Hanno could continue to conquer some territory and have a secure trade route directly to their lands this policy might change. Thanks to his last losses in Africa he might even pay them to do so before the war is completely lost. The Libyans on the other hand could be a great ally for Hannibal and Massylii because they could image what a victory for Hanno and his politics meant o their independence, so Mago and Hannibal might do something to convince them into a alliance against Hanno. And maybe even promising to protect them against the Carthaginian and the Ptolemaic Empire that both lay eyes on them.

 

[CountofDooku]

Chapter 16: In Libya/Africa

The war wasn't going in Hannos favor, news spread of Hannibals victory and if his army and fleet could conquer any more lands of Carthage on the Coast or from Masaesyli the Senate, already angry for him at weakening Carthages influence in Iberia and losing the western African cities, could openly revolt against him. But Hanno the Great had a plan, he would order his fleet and army to attack Libya and once again be victorious. With new victories in Africa over Libya or Massylii he would once again be the Shophet nobody dared to question. So he send a delegation to the Garamantes to coordinate their attacks and discuss the terms of the new boarders in Africa. He clearly claimed that he could turn the war around, but than Hannibals offer for peace came, Hannibal demanded the same terms as before but now argued that the cities in Mauritania up to Rusadir should be handed to Carthago Nova and Mauretania should become a client territory for Carthago Nova, but once again offered free trade to Carthage for Mauretania, Numidia, Africa and Hesperia (Iberia). Hannibal refused to even answer such demands, called them an outrage against Carthage.

"This is an outrage, never, never as long as I'm Shophet we will negotiate with these Barcid bastard Hannibal and his traitorous clan that stepped a knife in our back in the Libyan War!" Hanno the Great proclaimed, but he wasn't great anymore and his supporters in the Senate of Carthage have becoming a minority since the last losses in Africa. The Massylii under Mago had begun to push his troops out of some captured towns and cities and Hannibal was marching onto the Carthaginian enclaves on the Libyan coast and the territories of the Masaesyli, his last victory well known and his strategic genius feared thanks to that. Some even started to call him Hannibal the Great or Hannibal the Conqueror.

It was then in his Palace where it happened as a few Senators had meat to discuss Hannibals last peace tread once again with Hanno, but he just insulted them for doing so, for questioning the Shophet and his plans in Africa. The words "for Carthago" and "down with the monarchy" where the last Hanno heard before the Senators revealed knifes hidden in their tunics and stabbed him multiple times till he died on the ground. His nearby Guards didn't stop them but instead turned against him too. It was a cold night in Carthage and Hanno died alone on the Ground of his Palace after the Senators and his Guards had long left. At last the Senate had feared his plans for expanding the war in Africa. In the middle of the night the Senate elected a new Shophet and arrested many Hannoides and supporters of his Monarchy, but some escaped to the Masaesyli. The new Shophet was open for Hannibals peace offer and two weeks later a great parade was held in Carthage to celebrate the re-unification with Carthago Nova under the new Shophet and Shophet Hannibal together.

The Romans send a delegation to protest against this new great power in the western Mediterranean and Hannibal knew that the war with the Masaesyli wasn't over yet. His brother Hasdrubal even reported from rebellions of tribes and people in Hesperia Megalos as the two Shophets divided Africa into the new Megalos (great Provinces) of Carthage, Numidia and Mauretania as well as the at the moment lost Megalos of Lybia. Messilia was absorbed as a autonomous confederate province and the Carthaginian Armies now sided with Massylii in their fight against Masaesyli, that was still the enemy of both. Masaesyli, Libya and the Iberian League on the other hand were bribed by Rome to withstand any further expansion of the re-united Carthage in Africa and Iberia.

To celebrate the new re-united state of Carthage and to react to the recent Roman activities against his home land once again Hannibal ordered the building of two temples with great statues of Melqart/Hercules in Carthage (golden one) and Carthago Nova (silver one) with a great celebration, that showed the Hellenistic world his Empire as the Republic of Carthage was one of them, united against the growing influence, hegemony, politics and conquests of Rome, from Hesperia, to southern Gaul, Italy, Sizily, and even Hellas himself. Hannibal adopted his modern administration from Hesperia to all of the re-united Carthage, including Massylii and Mauretania, as well as offering them to become Polis or even Metic/Paroikoi if they decided to do so. His triumph parade in Carthago was the greatest ever in the history of the city, but the Iberian War and the African War had just started and the Alliances Rome seek with Masaesyli, Libya, Messilia and the Iberian League threatened to expand the Iberian War, African War and the Hegemony War of Macedonia to a combined ancient World War. Hannibal ensured the Roman he would not have any further campaigns in Iberia, at least not outside his state against the Iberian League. He once again needed time for his campaigns against Masaesyli and Libya, before he could think about engaging the roman allied Iberian League, Messilia or even Rome itself.

(Hannibals triumph in Carthage)

Newest Map:

 

[CountofDooku]

Chapter 17: Carthage's new Shophet

Shophet Hannibal knew that the coming winter of 219/218 BC would leave him at a disadvantage. Carthage tried to ally itself with the Garamantes to gain riches from the trans-Saharan all the way to the trade with Britain. The war with Masaesyli and the Roman dominated alliance between Masaesyli, Libya, Messilia and the Iberian League could only mean accepting the Roman demands of once again splitting Carthage into two States, each under his own Shophet in Hesperia and Libya (Africa) or to engage in a open out war with Rome and it's allies. Hannibal believed that the new Roman War over dominance in the Western Mediterranean with Rome would come any way and that each day his enemy grew stronger. So he planned on Mago and Massinissa to fight the war against Masaesyli and gained a first victory in convincing the state of Libya to rejoin his empire as a province thanks to pressure from the Garamantes and the Ptolemaic Empire. Hasdrubal should help him with his defense of Hesperia and conquering the Iberian League to secure the peninsula once and for all. New roads in Africa should help reinforce Massinissa the numidian king of the Massylii in his war against Masaesyli and to finally annex them and re-unite his Numidians as well alongside his Carthaginian allies. These new roads in Libya also should help the land and sea trade with the eastern Ptolemaic Empire, splitting Africa between it and Carthage. Knewing the manpower of Rome and his search for allies against him, Hannibal knew that time was not on his side and he had ti bring the war to Italy to secure Hesperia and Libya (Africa). So he ordered new fleets to be build in Hesperia, Carthago and the Baleares for his plans of operations. The Roman fleet was still larger and had well trained soldiers, so he intended to let the Second Roman War be fought mainly on land and to use his fleets to supply the troops fighting there. The Roman quest for hegemony would only stop if Rome could be stripped of his network of alliances, federate cities and tribes in Italy and limited to the territory before the Samnite War with guaranteed boarders and Carthaginian free trade in all of Italy for the freed people, states and tribes in Italy after the war, that Hannibal believed. So his plan included a offensive on Italy instead of just fighting Roman allies in Hesperia and Libya and then try to secure those lands. The war had to be brought to Rome and he had to ally himself with other Hellenic Kingdoms and Empires in the east, to himself split Romans troops and supplies to other regions instead of them just concentrate their power on him and Carthage. Phillip V of Macedon seamed a plausible ally, as well as the Selucide Empire in an Alliance against Rome, smaller States and the Ptolemaic Empire. That of course meant a full scale war in all the Mediterranean and to archive that Hannibal expanded his fleet even further. While his brothers secured Hesperia and Libya by defeating their enemies there, Hannibal planned his Fleet to land troops to Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica, especially the last two that were stolen so dishonorable by Rome after the last war. With this Invasions and attempts to reconquer the lost Islands in the Mediterranean Roman troops should be kept out of Hesperia and Africa as well as distracted enough to let him and his enemy attack on a rout no one would ever think of, by crossing the Alps in the spring/summer of the next year. Hannibal knew that his main Army from Iberia had to defeat the Iberian League together with his brother and than cross the Pyrenees and Alps before the next winter arrived to bring the war to Italy and Rome itself.

(the Western Mediterranea at the beginning of the Second Punic War or the Second Roman War as the Carthaginian and most Hellenes called it, green= boarders to the Ptolemaic Empire, blue circles = Roman allies)

 

[CountofDooku]

Comments, suggestions and ideas always welcome!

 

[Sceonn]

Due to the massive wars already fought, Hannibal should have an overall fewer number of troops available. I don't see his plan of dissolving Rome workout, but he could force a peace treaty to allow Carthage breathing space.

Also, things are moving way too fast IMO.

 

[XFE]

Go Hannibal, Go!

But I think there's a bit too many wars right now. Maybe Carthage will see a period of peace after the Second Punic/Roman War.

 

[Orisha91]

I'm thinking that maybe now that Carthage and the Massylii have been re-integrated, more colonies in Europe, and that trade has been ramped up much more, Hannibal and his brothers have a lot more resources available to them.

So, although their war has been long, the greater man-pool, stunning victories, and prosperity should convince most of the gov't in Hesperia to continue to support Hannibal, it should be possible to settle some soldiers and take others from Carthage and the Massylii to continue on.

Also, mercenaries: Hannibal has more access to mercs now and he has larger areas to pool from if he wants to further reduce the risk to his troops. He has a good track record and the resources to do it.

Other than that, I wonder if the colonies in Gaul couldn't be used as recruiting grounds to hit Messalia or the Iberian league. Would it be possible to train the locals up in the type of warfare and weaknesses they have and support their raids on both?

I'm thinking that Rome will still be intact by the end of this, but Hannibal real goal of out-maneuvering Rome will be on the way in the form of influence in Europe.

Masaesylii could be attacked in this way as well.

Anyway, I think that barbarian raids from the north would further complicate things fr Romes allies and might have a good use in leveraging Carthage's strength against Rome.

 

[CountofDooku]

Hannibal has greater potential ITTL (resources/manpower) but also more trouble (a united allied front with armies already at his boarders). His position in Africa isn't secured at all even if claimed many of the Mauritanian, Numidian and Libyan tribes still not support him, same in Hesperia) and even if his economical and cultural influence in Hesperia didn't stop all tribes there to revolt against his rule. The expeditions his brother ordered are still on their way and the colonies yet founded are very small (a few hundred people, maybe thousand in the biggest, planned ones) and vulnerable. Passing trough Gaul from them should be nearly impossible.

The trans-Saharan trade is boosting Hannibals economy, but his territory is yet far from being as united and well administrated as Rome. Between rebelling tribes and administration reforms that will take a while like the rest of the government change. He had losses in Iberia and Africa and his fleet against a naval war for Rome will not finished over night.

But Hannibal knows that the Iberian League could become much stronger when given time and Roman advisers, same goes for Messilias fleet program. The roads and buildings he ordered o l plan in the next update) are not finished over night and even the new temples, clearly pro-Hellenistic propaganda aren't totally finished. But the summer is over and Hannibal needs to take preparations for a early summer campaign from Hesperia to southern Gaul and to Italy itself. All that needs time and the coming winter has to prepare for some of this plans and timing I think. Let's not forget, even if Hannibal sailed fast from Mauritania to Carthage by ship, his armies will be way slower.

I think the Iberian War and Rebellions will take up to eight or ten more years before finished (not to mention rebels against Hannibals rule or growing cultural and economical influence and some tribes uninterested in even becoming autonomic provinces or allies) – not to mention the war against Rome and his other allies. In all this time he still has to fight in Numidia and the rebels in Hesperia while at the same time, train his militia, mercenaries and warriors/soldiers how to fuse to one army and become Falcatesair.

If there hadn't been a coup in Carthage, Hannibal would have to slowly fight his way from Mauritania to the capital itself for years and even now he has to do so, to reunite these lands and enclaves at the coast against the enemy Numidian that is still left. There also may be troop and groups within Carthage still supporting the Hannoides and planning a coup against Hannibal and the other Shophet.

 

[CountofDooku]

Chapter 18: Carthage, Libya

"Brother what is worrying you?" Mago Barca asked his Hannibal that was looking over a mosaic of the known world, with Phoenicia in the middle of it. Once Alexander the Great had conquered a big part of the world and was clearly willing to conquer the rest of the world I he hadn't died.

"The Romans are surrounding us with a network of alliances and are supporting them with advisers ad trainers for their troops. They even demand to split Carthage again between a African and Hesperian state. All their actions are acts of war, but with winter so close we can't make the necessary first step to push a offensive to Italy to secure Libya and Hesperia from most of the Roman armies!" Hannibal announced, sure that his strategy was the only one to deal with the Romans on a long term and on a long costly war.

"Don't be so negative Hannibal the canal and new farm land Hanno the Great stated to cultivate the Livyan coast inland to irrigate the land are working out. The salt basin we build outside the city will soon help us getting more independent from the sub-Saharan salt trade and the roads and ports under construction as well as the new taxes will enrich our treasury." Mago tried to lift his brothers mood.

"All true but the new taxes on the great land owners in Libya isn't popular." Hannibal knew all to well.

"Same goes for the term limitation Gerousiastís as our Senator of one year, but you called it a necessary move to weaken the Hannoides and our other enemies in the Senate." a understanding Mago reminded his brother. And there was the growing Hellenism, or at least Helleni-Phoenicianism that made Hannibals Carthage popular among some former enemies in the Hellenistic world but also was feared by some Carthaginians. And since it didn't made him a Diadoch, it teared him and some Carthaginian nobles and citizen further apart, while in the same time attracting more Greek, or Hellenistic Metic to travel and settle to his empire.

"At least the trade is increasing, as well as our trade and war fleet. The ports and streets I build are as much for economical reason as for military one Mago. But like the new administration and the training of the Falcatesair they took time. Time the Romans will use as well against us." Hannibal feared from their last actions and plans.

"Just look at what we have accomplished in the months after the re-unification Hannibal. The monarchy ended, the Republic under two Shophets restored. A free trade agreement in the southern Mediterranean along the Libyan coast as well a boarder frontier agreement with the Ptolemaic Kingdom to accept each others sphere of influence." a happy Mago reminded, pleased with these diplomatic results.

"A treaty Ptolemy IV Philopator just accepted, because of his ongoing Fourth Syrian War with Antiochus III, the Great leader of the Selucid Empire. As soon as Antiochos victory in Syria is stopped by Ptolemy he could turn his eyes once again after our Libyan coast and territories on the whole Libyan continent. He's known to be not very loyal an corrupt and even his own Egyptian people are rioting against his week leadership. Worst of all it is no alliance, just a trade and boarder treaty, same as with the Macedon Kingdom. Maybe Antiocus will win the war, that could give us the opportunity to encircle Rome in the Mediterranean if we ally with him and Macedon. That way we could grab land in the Cyrenaica if he annexed Egypt!" Hannibal reminded his bother that unlike Rome he had no strong alliance in the Mediterranean outside his own Republic, but was open for plans and chances.

"That may be true, but Hasrubal has just raised fresh troops to increase his army to 60,000 infantry and 6,000 cavalry in Hesperia. And the Marriage of Hasrubal Gicos beautiful daughter Sophonisba with Massinissa, the king of the Massylii integrated his tribal province further into our state. This alliance alone gives us a force of 80,000 infantry and 13,000 cavalry against Syphax the king of Masaesyli, not to mention our Mauri and Libyan mercenaries and tribal allies." Mago knew since he was assigned with the war in Libya against Masaesyli as well as having bean a guest at the wedding between Sophonisba and Massinissa together with Hannibal. Now he was planning the next move against Masaesyli together with Adhebal, who commander the forces on the Mauritanian western territories of Carthago and his allies for a second front against Masaesyli.

"Troops we will need to defend Hesperia and Libya against revolting tribes and enemy invasions, as well as securing our new founded colonial towns. Our administration must get better, our coastal lighthouses, the Fires of Baal from the Capital Carthagee to Carthago Nova must get finished just like the roads there for secured trade and faster communication." and while saying it Hannibal hoped they could do so in time.

"Yes, but our traders, scouts and spies are gathering information of your planned route trough Gaul as well as from the Iberian League, Messilia and Rome. From routes, over fortifications, to armies and fleets. We even have stockpiled some supplies and foot along the route in depots and will be well prepared once the winter is over! " Mago was hoping.

"As will be Rome!" Hannibal warned, once again looking down on the mosaic map of the Mediterranean to his foot.

 

[CountofDooku]

Chapter 19: Italy, Rome

"He could have stopped at Iberia, but he will not stop at all!" Lucius Aemilius Paullus feared talking about Hannibal Barca and from his point of view he was right. Hannibal a good tactician and strategist could have stopped there, defending his Iberian kingdom. But he crossed the Pillars of Hercules, conquered Tingis and took the Carthagian cities in Libya. Thanks to that Rome had all reason to be alarmed. Maybe Hannibal wanted to reconquer the lost islands of Sicily, or even Corsica and Sardinia, that Rome had stolen after the war was over. With a man like Hannibal there was nothing sure Lucius feared and so the Consul had an easy way to further convince the Iberian Leage that Hannibal wanted war with them and that they just like Masaesyli and Messilia would be better of in a threat of protection with Rome. But Lucies wasn't sure if that would be enough to hold Hannibals ambitions and to convince him to split up Carthage and Carthago Nova once again, for the sake of peace in the Mediterranean. Clearly Rome couldn't stand by and watch any longer with powers like Carthage and Macedon rising on both sides of the own state.

"He should have, but he hasn't. I think our preparations are wisely to train new armies and to gather our troops in Lilibaeum on Sicily, to prepare for a immediate invasion of Malta with 10.000 Legionaries and after that prepare to land in Africa itself while protecting Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia, especially last as an important grain exporter, vital for our Roman Republic!" Consul Tiberius Sempronius Longus answered, assured that this tactic, together with supporting the Iberian League with another army and fleet from each, Rome and Messilia should be enough to win the fight against Carthage fast and easily as soon as it would break out in open warfare. Over 160 quinqueremes where planned just for the operation against the Carthaginian islands from Sicily over to Africa, where Rome planned to help out his ally Masaesyli and crush Hannibal between his forces and their own. With the end of the coming winter, war would be sure in the year of 218 BC, but Rome also had to worry about Philip V. of Macedon and his ambitions to conquer all of Hellas and the Iberian coast like a new Alexander. So not all of the new armies where destination to fight in Iberia, Africa, Italy, Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia, some where destined to protect the roman territories and colonies on the coast of Iberia and Hellas against any attempt of Philip to conquer them. Other preparations had to deal with garrisons in the Po Valley against Celtic and Gallic tribes, or on the islands of Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia, where pro-Carthaginian and pro-Greek (Syracuse) rebels had rioted against Rome started a right out open Rebellion against Roman rule over the years.

 

[CountofDooku]

Chapter 20: The Fourth Syrian War

The Fourth Syrian War began with Antiochus III the Great Upon taking the Seleucid throne in 223 BC. He soon set himself the task of restoring the lost imperial possessions of Seleucus I Nicator, that extended from Greco-Bactrian Kingdom in the east, the Hellespont in the north, and Syria in the south. By 221 BC, he had re-established Seleucid control over Media and Persia, which had been in rebellion. The ambitious king Antiochus III then turned his eyes toward Syria and Egypt, both owned by the Ptolemaic Kingdom.

By this time, the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt had been significantly weakened by court intrigue and public unrest. The rule of the newly inaugurated Ptolemy IV Philopator had began with the murder of queen-mother Berenice II. The young king quickly fell under the absolute influence of imperial courtiers. These ministers used their absolute power in their own self-interest, to the people's great chagrin.

Antiochus sought to take advantage of this chaotic situation in the eastern Mediterranean. After an invasion in 221 BC failed to launch, he finally began the Fourth Syrian War in 219 BC, the same year Hannibal started his famous Iberian War (also called the Hesperian War). He recaptured Seleucia Pieria as well as cities in Phoenicia, the homeland of the Carthaginian, amongst them Tyre, Sidon and Biblos. But rather than promptly invading Egypt, Antiochus waited in Phoenicia for over a year, consolidating his new territories and listening to diplomatic proposals from the Ptolemaic kingdom.

Meanwhile, Ptolemy's minister Sosibius began recruiting and training an new army. He recruited not only from the local Greek population, as Hellenistic armies generally were, but also from the greater population of native Egyptians, enrolling at least thirty thousand natives as Phalangites. This innovation paid off, but it would eventually have dire consequences for Ptolemaic stability, because the native Egyptians just rioted against Ptolemy III and opposed his rule. But Antiochus didn't only lay eyes on Syria that he conquered, but on Cyprus, Egypt and Asia Minor as well to rule all of the eastern Mediterranean to the boarders of India. He dreamed of becoming a new Alexander, the kind of the world, and maybe also a god among other kings. Little did he know that the Battle of Raphia two years later (in 217 BC) would only pave the way for the Fifth Syrian War between the Republic of Carthage, the Kingdom of Macedonia, the Empire of Selucidia, Epirus, the Achean League and some minor Greek and Asia Minor Factions against the Roman Republic, the Ptolemaic Kingdom, the Aetolian League, the Kingdom of Pergamon, Elis, Rhodes, Sparta and some minor Greek and Asia Minor Factions in the future.

 

[Orisha91]

Damn, this is gonna be good.

Wonder how Rome, Carthage, and Egypt will survive the Fifth Syrian war.

*Notices Messilia and the Iberian league aren't mentioned as participating*

Carthage must've done well in the Hesperian war.

 

[CountofDooku]

Messilia and the Iberian league aren't mentioned as participating, because A) the war is to far away in the Eastern Mediterranean for them to be a part of it (mostly because of their lack of armies/fleets or a generell lack of free capacities in the region east of Italy). B) some mercenaries from Iberia and Lybia (aka African staates in general) and other Greek states and smaller powers like Messilia might be involved, but not with the majority of their troops or just as side kicks of the greater players. C) or the second Roman/ Punic War may or may not end in their favor, before the Third Roman/ Punic War starts later.

 

[CountofDooku]

Chapter 21: Hannibal's Strategy

As the war in the Po Valley continued Hannibal gathered information, thanks to a network of spies, traders and scouts, as well as reports and history from the previous wars of Rome, Hannibal managed to get much information of the Roman way of fighting and conquering. The Romans used simple tactics and had faith in their numbers, discipline and better organization. They adapted to enemy tactics and strategies quickly and were a strong and feared enemy. Thus Hannibal realized that what others saw as weakness in the Carthaginian Army was in reality it's greatest strength against enemies like the Romans. The Carthaginian Falcatesair even if now somewhat standardized and with better armor and training then before stile hat their own distinct style of warfare. Weather it be regional differences from Hesperia to Libya, different weapons or ways of tactics in battle. Divided they were still weak, the same way Rome managed to defend any single enemy they encountered, but if Hannibal could combine them, their differences would be to much for Rome to adapt in time. With this confusing set of tactics to counter the Roman Legions, since they had to continually adapt to the changing nature of the enemy Hannibal was sure to limit their progression while exacerbating their fatigue levels.

Hannibal also realized, that First Roman War had lasted twenty three years, and when faced with catastrophic losses, the Romans had simply thrown more men and resources into the war. While his plan to invade Italy would allow him to draw Romes armies, already send to Hesperia, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily, or prepared for Africa back to Italy, where he could tie them up in fighting or defending, thus making smooth the way for Carthaginian defenses in Hesperia and Libya or their own Invasions to Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. Instead of a war of Carthage's resources versus Rome's, Hannibal could make use of Rome's resources for Carthage and denying them to Rome by invading Italy. So Shophet Hannibal knew that the secret to defeating Rome was detaching her from her allies, making the hearts and souls of the Italians and Latins his true goal, breaking away Romans allies and power from the capital city itself. He realized that once people did come over to him, he then also had to protect them from the inevitable Roman retribution, further limiting his movements by garrison some of these places against Rome, but the Carthaginian transport ships and war fleet should be enough to provide the needed sources of manpower and supplies for all theaters of war.

(Map of the cultural influrence in Hesperia: orange = Carthage/Phoenician, gray = Greek, brown = Helleni-Phoenician, triangle = colonies/garrisons) I wanted to ad roads like the Shophet-road or Silver-road but I'm to bad at making maps

 

[CountofDooku]

Chapter 22: The Iberian War, the Masaesyli War and the Roman/ Punic War

Besides from some skirmishes with rebel tribes, the Iberian War covered all of Hesperia in the spring of 218 BC, as Hannibal crossed the Sucro and by doing so broke the treaty with the Iberian League and Rome to not advance any further in the peninsula. Hannibal no longer wanted to be dictated by Rome and it's allies where to go, what to do and with whom he could ally or not. So he made sacrifices in the temples of Melqart/Hercules in Carthage, Gades and Carthago Nova to show other Hellenic states (such like Macedon and Syracuse), that his actions where just by the gods and that he would also fight for them against the increasing Roman expansionism in all of the Mediterranean. Along the coastal road Hannibal marched after that from Carthago Nova, where he had arrived in the beginning spring with his new armies of local soldiers and mercenaries straight to Saguntum. At the same time his brother Hasdrual marched with another army from Arbocala along the river of Durius, to reach Numantia, one of the most important cities of the Celtiberians. The Sarguntians had declared war on the Turboletes allies of Carthage near their boarders but outside of Carthage's direct empire in Spain. The Celtiberians on the other hand had started to raid the Carthaginian boarders again, even if some claimed it was just a small local tribe from the borderlands and the other tribes had immediately tried to stop them from doing so again.

Anyway the unstable peace in Hesperia was over, Hannibal addressed the Senate in Carthago thanks to his brother Mago, the commander of the war in Numidia, that the Iberian League had once again broken their treat and the peace in Iberia and that actions had to take place to secure the own lands in the region for Carthage future once and for all. A peaceful negotiation could have been possible, but Hannibal knew that further peace would benefit the Romans on the long term. Also this incident gave him the legitimization to just defend himself against enemy aggression, since he was sure, the Romans would side with their allies and declare war on Carthage o their own, making them once again a aggressive power in the eyes of other Mediterranean states Hannibal himself wanted to ally against Rome.

Hannibal as the first attack failed, lay siege on Saguntum (that would last eight months) with his 80.000 man, 10.000 cavalry and 26 war elephants against 91.000 Saguntines, while Hasdrubal besieged Numantia (for six months) with 60.000 infantry, 4.000 cavalry and 12 war elephants against 20.000 Celtiberi troops. Numantia asked for his liberty in return for complete surrender, but Hasdrubal refused, both cities should be made an example of any further opposition to Carthage rule in Hesperia. Rome in the meantime had sent an delegation to Carthage, where they demanded the immediate stop off the sieges and all actions against the Iberian League, as well as the delivery of Hannibal and Hasdrubal for their crimes and actions of war. The second Shophet in Carthage refused doing so, well aware of Hannibals plans and the Romans declared war on Carthage, allying themselves with the Iberian League, Masaesyli and Messilia against Hannibal. They started to train more troops for new armies and immediately began the well prepared invasion of Melita (Malta) with 10.000 Legionaries and prepared for a direct landing in Africa.

Hannibal on the other Hand knew, that taking Saguntum would give him control over the last harbor in Hesperias Mediterranean coast south of the Ebro that wasn't under Carthage's control at the moment. With a shorter supply route over sea by Sarguntum, the strategic city in his hands and the surrounding, rich agricultural region conquered the future campaign in Hesperia and the preparations for the march trough Gaul would be secured. So Hannibal demanded that the city surrender to him, but they refused and the long siege was begun. Hasdrubals siege on Numantia had a similar purpose. With the Celtiberians losing the city the Carthaginians would have a forward but inland base of operations to defend the silver region in the northwest as well as securing the new conquered territories around Saguntum or the east cost and could reinforce Carthage Nova or push any Roman invasion force of Hesperia back in the Mediterranean they hoped. With his Hesperian base then secure Hannibal would be was ready to move his carefully planned strategy forwards to Gaul and into Italy, while his brother Mago secured Libya and his brother Hasdrubal guarded Iberia.

Hannibals siege of Saguntum was fortified with 30.000 troops as his main army and a third Carthage army of reinforcements tried to unite against the advancing army of Rome in Iberia and the army of the Iberian Legaue trying to liberate Saguntum. Hannibal knew he had to challenge and win against them one by one, or the sheer number of enemy troops could be dangerous to him. His brother Hasdrubal had similar problems at the siege of Numantia as the rumor of a arriving Iberian League army lifted the spirits of the trapped Celtiberians inside the besieged city.

Before the war Hannibal had sent 15.650 Iberian heavy infantry, 870 Balearic slingers and 1.200 Iberian cavalry to Libya, where Mago fought the Masaesyli and tried to secure the coastal city enclaves against them, as well as getting further hold of their mountain back-country and terrain deeper into Libya. In addition, some 4.000 Iberian men of good family were called up who were under orders to be conveyed to Carthage to strengthen its defence, and also to serve as hostages for the loyalty of their people. In return, 13.850 Libyan infantry, 300 Liguarians and 500 Balearic slingers were sent to Iberia to strengthen the local defense against the Iberian Leage and the anticipated Roman invasion. Simular, Hannibal had ordered his African armies and navies to move right after Rome had declared war. Hasdrubal the Bald led the African expeditionary to Sardinia with 15.000 infantry, 1.500 cavalry and twenty elephants while Hampsicora attacked Corsica from the Baleares, with 8.000 infantry and 700 cavalry. Hannibal knew that Messilia would not dare to attack the Baleares again, as long as the fleet in Carthago Nova could challenge theirs and his armies in Hesperia were victorious and threatening the Iberian League and Messilia from land. The third and main Carthaginian invasion hid Sicily with a army of 40,000 infantry, 8,000 cavalry, and 40 elephants. These tree direct invasions against Rome in Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily had not only the goal to defeat the Roman garrisons there with the help of the remaining insurgent pro-Carthaginian and Greeks against roman rule, but also to prevent Rome from sending more reinforcements to Hesperia, before Hannibal could secure the peninsula and advance trough Gaul onto Italy where he planned on helping the invasions of Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily by preventing Rome to send new garrisons and armies against the Carthaginian invasion forces there while they where occupied with his army in Italy.

(the faction shown on Sicily is the independent Syracuse)