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[Daeres]

It honestly sounds like a reversal of the 1st Punic War...

So, if the Barcids control Sicily, how are the Italians shipping between Italy and Africa? Must be taking the long route. Will the Barcids go for Malta? And how much of Spain do they control?

It's worth noting that several major ports are still Italian-controlled, but you're right; Sicily has massively screwed over sending reinforcements to Africa. Taking the long route is not impossible, but it has become dangerous due to the number of Barcid privateers all over the sea routes. For now, the East Numidians are providing a lot of additional manpower but to continue operating effectively the Italians *must* do something to regain the initiative in Sicily.

Sicily is not fully pacified so there will be at least another season of operations there, but Malta and Corsica are high on the hit list. The Italian incursion in Iberia has upset the original timetable, as it is large enough to be considered a serious threat. One weakness of our current Barcid king Hamilcar is that he continues to see the Averni as barbarians, whereas the diplomacy with the Italians/Rome should show you that they have become rather canny operators. He didn't expect the Averni to allow the Italians overland access.

Within Iberia, Barcid control is solid in all of its territories shown on this map. The empire has a hegemony over the native controlled states to its south and considers them its sattellites, but it doesn't have actual control or garrisons. The Republic of Gadir is essentially a Barcid puppet state right now, though they obviously retain autonomy. The newly conquered territories in what was Volcae and Roman/Italian territory are quite unstable, however. Carthalho would have been responsible for mop-up operations, but was reassigned to Sardinia. As it is, the Barcid control over their new aquisitions is flimsy enough that the Volcae were able to revolt only two years after they were originally conquered, and two Italian legions are a serious hazard to their entire control over eastern Iberia.

The Barcid's strength, right now, is the security of their core domains, their resources, and in particular the number of gold and silver deposits they're exploiting. They also, quite deliberately, caught Italy at a time after a rather drastic change on political arrangements and during its recovery from a short but nasty civil war.

 

[Daeres]

The Third Punic War- 158 BC

Ategnatius leaned patiently against an ornate marble facade, waiting. Then the sound of massed footsteps on polished stone came from within the building; the Italian Senate had ended its session for the day. Figures in togas started to pour out of the exit, many looking far wearier and grayer than they had two years ago. Ategnatius spotted a figure trailing towards the back and detached from his wall. He walked over, and tapped the figure on the shoulder.

“So Oscan, you got command of the Sicilian expedition?” asked Ategnatius.
“I did,” replied Pompo Statiis, “not that it’s any concern of yours.”
“I’m pleased to hear it! Forgive my curiosity, but why do want this particular command so badly?”.
“Why are you interested? I would have thought you’d have nothing to do with me after Sardinia, my reputation is not what it was.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“I don’t have time for games, Gaul. I have to make preparations, not engage in banter.”
Pompo started walking again, but Ategnatius put a hand on the Umbrian’s shoulder.

“Pompo Statiis of Ancona, why do you think so many of the Gauls in the Senate were in favour of you gaining the command? Did that not exercise your curiosity? My reputation is still fairly high among my fellow barbarians, even after Sardinia.”
“You’re saying... why would you have done that?” asked Pompo with a furrowed brow.
“Tell me why you want the command so badly first.” replied Ategnatius.
“My honour and reputation are now tatters in the wind. Surely you must understand that...”
“Honour is indeed of great importance,” interrupted Ategnatius, “but there are many ongoing battles in this war. Sicily is only one among them. Why Sicily in particular?”
Pompo Statiis was silent for a moment.
“Sicily is the key front of the war right now, if it is recaptured then Africa can relieved, the momentum of the war will be reversed in our favour. And I want it to be at my hand, and not another Italian commander. No, want is the wrong word, I need it to be me! My term as supremeddiss of Umbria will be up in a year’s time, I’m not expecting to be a political figure for much longer. But what happens when my son runs for political office, and is jeered on the streets for being the son of a coward and a failure? Where will his income and his living come from? Will I be the last of my gens to have any position of honour in Umbria at all? For him, I will go to Hades itself if that was a front in the war.”

Pompo again went silent, then shot a piercing glance at Ategnatius.
“You still haven’t answered my question. Why are you interested? Why did you scheme to get me this command? Why are you here, talking to me now? Why are you involved?”
“I am a barbarian Gaul, of simple tastes and primitive morality Pompo Statiis. I enjoy fine wines, good humour, and battle. Perhaps you interest me for that.”
Pompo laughed harshly.
“You may be a Gaul, but you’re not simple and primitive. Beneath that rambunctious facade of yours you were always planning, and scheming. Why are you interested?”
Ategnatius’ jovial look dropped for a moment.
“If I’m not a simple and primitive Gaul, you’re not a coward and a failure, to use your words. I served alongside you for two campaign seasons, and I know that you’re capable and intelligent. You know that I’m not stupid either, and that I am trying to win this war just as much as the rest of us. If I’m so smart and scheming, then what does that say about supporting you? You have it in you to be one of the great commanders of the age, to resound with Corvus, Scipio, Aculeo and all of the other Romans that we’ve spent our lives hearing about. I’m not soft, I’m not given over to giving people important military commands because I’m feeling sorry for them. That’s a job for Greeks. I’m getting you this command because you’re already a competent leader of men (which I have seen with my own eyes), and your... extreme motivation for the task gives you an additional edge.”
Ategnatius extended his arm.
“Scheming and barbarian though I am, will you trust me Pompo Statiis?”
Pompo stood for a moment in deep thought. The hard lines around his eyes and cheeks softened a little. Having made up his mind, he stuck his arm out and gripped that of Ategnatius.

Across the Tyrrhenian Sea...

Carthalho waited until the other commanders had left his tent, and then banged his fist on the table hard enough to make his entire forearm twinge with pain.
There is too much work to be done here father. You know I can get it done, why are you doing this? Have you become senile? Are the gods playing with your will just to spite me? Are you punishing me?
Carthalho breathed in deeply, calming himself.
It’s your hatred of the Romans, isn’t it. Your conquests in Iberia were assured, measured, and the consolidation in detail. But you weren’t fighting Romans then, just Celts and Tartessians and Iberians. This vendetta against the Romans is going to lose us the war. I should be remaining here to completely pacify the island, but instead you want your most prized commander fighting in Africa to teach the Italians a lesson. Africa doesn’t even matter as a front right now. Carthage isn’t our home any more, they have made their peace with Italy and they aren’t interested in being part of our Empire. The war should have ended with the conquest of Italian Iberia.
Carthalho slumped in his chair a little.
The vendetta against Rome and Italy ends with this war. One way or the other.

​

In 158 BC, the Italians were solely focused on one objective- the recapture of Sicily. Its loss would be the final major requisite for an invasion of Italy itself, and would completely sever any communication with forces in Africa. The commander of the expedition was to be none other than Pompo Statiis, eager to regain his honour after the loss of Sardinia. He was appointed Proconsul, giving him overall command authority of his Umbrian legion,supporting forces, and any remaining Italian forces on Sicily itself. All spare naval forces were to be directed to the theatre as well, under Boularchos of Metapontion’s direction. The Italians were now putting all of their hopes in Sicily to enable a reversal of the war; the progress of arms in Africa didn’t matter at all if Italy itself were lost to the Barcids. The only forces kept in reserve were legions to defend Italy in case an invasion was indeed launched. Every port and city on Italy’s western coasts began to make preparations for a siege. Italy was balanced on a knifedge.

In Iberia, the Italians managed to avoid a Barcid army altogether and with Volcae allies were beginning to advance deep into Barcid territory. The immense fortress at Migdol was targeted for capture; it would allow for almost total freedom of movement within North Iberia, and clear the most major obstacle between the Italians and Numantia. The citadel did not prove to be an easy capture- the garrison commander absolutely refused to surrender and so the fortress became invested with a siege. However, the Italians were running on borrowed time; if the fort was not captured swiftly enough, the Barcid army would catch them in the siege and they’d likely be trapped and wiped out. As such, Migdol had to be taken by assault despite its potential costliness. The Storming of Migdol lasted for three days, neither side willing to give in. On the third day, the Italians successfully broke into the heart of the Citadel and captured the few surviving defenders. The capture of Migdol now gave the Romans a base to operate out of, and the Volcae now roaming the valleys and mountains were raiding with impunity. The Barcid royal army made an abortive attempt to siege the fortress a month later, but their camps and supply lines were constantly raided and the garrison of the citadel was enormous. After an Italian cavalry sally killed the Barcid commander, the royal army retreated back to Numantia to become engorged with further contingents before renewing the siege.

In Africa, Crown Prince Carthalho was placed in charge of an enormous counterattack against the Romans. He had command of some Barcid regiments, but also the very first armies from Gadir to directly interfere in the conflict and all the armies of West Numidia. The impact was swift and severe; the Italians and their allies were forced out of West Numidia altogether, though not before looting almost every major port they had to evacuate and burning every ship that couldn’t be captured and sailed away. The wide open spaces of Numidia gave ample room for cavalry operations, and Carthalho was particularly skilled at executing complex manoeuvres. However, Carthalho did not advance past the West-East Numidia border, contenting himself with creating border garrisons, reappointing governors and client kings, and repairing the ports. This was of vital necessity, and was also a deliberate message to the Barcid royal command which kept moving Carthalho around instead of allowing him to consolidate vital areas of conquest. The actions of Carthalho would prove a fortunate move.

In Sicily, the sudden swamping of the island’s coasts with Italian fleets managed to arrest Barcid naval activity there, and several Barcid squadrons and privateers were caught completely off guard. The passage of Pompo Statiis’ expedition was now ensured, and his fleet arrived in Messana without any significant trouble. He now had four legions’ worth of forces at his command, combining Umbrians, Gauls, Samnites, Greeks and native Sicilians. He wasted no time, and immediately made for the Barcid army of Sicily and their Syrakusan allies. His pursuit was ruthless, allowing no opportunity for proper rest or relief. His own troops became tired as well, but allegedly his steely determination and sharing their conditions was enough to motivate them. He managed to isolate the Syrakusans, and annihilated their forces. This weakened the resolve of the city of Syrakuse, which was then confronted with four legions outside the city walls. Despite the strength of the fortifications, negotiations began between the city and Pompo. Total surrender was the only option given, with a guarantee of no pillaging and no sack of the city. The terms were reluctantly accepted, and Syrakuse was now a Roman naval base. Importantly, one of the Barcid allies had now also been taken out of the war- none of Syrakuse’ territories could continue to fight without the metropolis’ governance. Pompo immediately pressed on after leaving a garrison, relieving the besieged garrison at Agyrium and swinging south again to retake the port of Gela. The Barcid army successfully captured Heraclea, but Sicily was beginning to slip through their grasp; the entire east of the island had been recaptured, their major ally had been removed from the picture, and they were facing a commander willing to push his men to the limits.

There was another major disaster for the Barcids in this year; the island of Melita had been targeted for capture, to further cut off Africa from reinforcements. However, another Epirote fleet had been dispatched, eager for revenge for the destruction of the last. They simply waited until the Barcid invasion fleet beached, and then captured all of the Barcid ships. The entire Barcid invasion force, several regiments strong, were forced to surrender, representing the single largest loss for the Barcids of the entire war. It only represented a small portion of their strength but the loss was in itself humiliating, and symbolised a loss of momentum in the war. 158 BC seemed to be the turning of the tide.

The Barcid Military

​

The Barcid Empire, c. 160 BC, had a complex military arrangement based around two needs; the maintenance of Barcid control over Iberia, and the ability to directly compete with the Italian Federation’s military strength. As Barcid control had expanded over Iberia, the dynasty's resources had increased prodigiously- gold and silver was flooding into the Imperial coffers, and the Empire now controlled a substantial body of manpower.

A major source of the Empire’s military might came from Phoenician speaking military settlers, not only functioning as a military resource but acting as a control mechanism for newly conquered territories. Originally, these were formed of exiles in the aftermath of the Second Punic War, and the armed followers that Mago had kept loyal to him. Later, immigrants from the Republic of Gadir were also settled in a similar way. The establishment of these settlers was similar to that practised by the very early Argead Empire, except that Carthage had not possessed a professional military. The creation and introduction of one was the first major task of the Barcid Empire, and it did so with ruthless efficiency. Phoenician soldiers tended to follow one of two modes of warfare; a more traditional phalangite-style model of equipment with Montefortino helmet, sarissa, hoplon and linothorax; or a more Iberian/Roman style infantry setup, with the falcata as a primary weapon, javelins, chain mail, an Iberian style helmet and a scutum or a caetra shield. The latter tended to be a more popular set of equipment in those communities that became closely tied to the Iberian natives, and over time became the more numerous. The Barcids also retained the Sacred Band, except that they were enlarged in size and became the bodyguards of the Barcid king and close relatives.

The next major source of manpower for the Barcids was those native Iberians, Celtiberians and others who were bound to the Barcid king by law and oathn but who were not considered to be Phoenician. The native areas fully integrated into the Barcid Imperial system were governed by a major colony or city, with the hinterland divided into various villages and tribal communities, along with the parcels of land farmed by military settlers. The chiefs of villages and tribes were expected to provide a levy of their men when warfare was required. Certain areas of the Empire had begun to ‘Phoenicise’, and these communities tended to provide more organised levies (though not always more effective ones). Though each community varied in its exact approach, in general a combination of sword short, javelin and a round shield was preferred. In addition, most communities provided extremely disciplined troops regardless of how aligned with Phoenician culture they were. Strong morale and the ability to keep a clear head was a hallmark of Barcid levies. In some areas, like Numantia, they straddled the line between levy and fully professional troops, but this exception was only made for non-Phoenician communities which had proven particularly loyal or for areas becoming assimilated into Phoenician culture.

Finally, the Barcids also used mercenaries. Unlike Carthage, however, no Barcid army was ever solely or even majorly composed of mercenaries. The days of sellsword rebellions were long behind the Barcid monarchs and they had no wish to repeat the experience of their forefathers. The source of mercenaries tended to be the Iberian territories still not under Barcid control, Gaulish sellswords and mercenaries from Mauritania. Rather than being the main arm of the Barcid military or their main enforcers, mercenaries in this period were being used to provide additional capacity and an additional edge in manpower. Pirates were also occasionally hired, such as those used as privateers in the Third Punic War. However, the Barcids preferred to use the Republic of Gadir as an additional source of naval manpower if possible; there was a sense of cultural superiority- even if the Gadirines had at first bent the knee to Rome, they were still Phoenicians and thus considered superior sailors by the Barcids. The Balaeric islands had once been a favoured source of manpower for the Carthaginians, but that had been cut off after the Roman victory in the Second Punic War. Their role, that of extremely proficient slingers, had instead been replaced by equivalents in the levies. However, after the Barcid seizure of the Balaerics they once again became a common sight in their armies.

All of these forces were understood as serving the Barcid monarch directly, whether from a mercenary regiment, a hill tribe, farmland, or a city-state within the Empire.

Ongoing Fronts in the War in 158 BC

North Africa

Red- Roman Control
Pale Red- East Numidia
Green- Barcid Control
Pale Green- West Numidia

Sicily

Red- Roman Control
Green- Barcid Control

North-Eastern Iberia

Red- Roman Control
Grey- Volcae Uprisings
Green- Barcid Empire
Brown- Arverni

Completed Conquests-

Sardinia- Barcid
​

 

[Berserker]

Awesome

 

[Errnge]

This war is looking like a massive stalemate. Perfect time for the Arverni to sweep in and take all while their pants are down just kidding

 

[willbell]

One thought that has crossed my mind is this... is the Arverni at all concerned about a giant Germanic power reorganizing itself on its other border? I realize its a "the enemy of my enemy" situation in some ways but I believe the Volcae are going to be extremely concerning for a fragile federation such as the Arverni.

 

[Daeres]

Germanic? All the information I've read have put the Volcae at being a Celtic grouping, and these Volcae are in particular are the former residents of what the Romans would call Narbonensis- the Arverni are in themselves the reason why the Volcae have moved so far south into Iberia.

If you meant 'are the Arverni concerned about Germans on one frontier and Volcae in the south', the answer is certainly yes. However, since they can use the Italians as their shield to the south they are more concerned about the Eastern border and Germania. But at this date, 158 BC, the Arverni are also still expanding their direct control in Northern Gaul. The updates with the Arverni are slightly 'ahead' of this point with Italy, and the situation that they show with the Averni in control around Armorica and the lands of the Veneti has not yet come to pass.

However, it is still true that the Arverni have a stake in the resolution of this Third Punic War. The King fobbed off Roman requests for military aid because he didn't really want to gamble his own resources against the Barcids. However, the Barcids are a potential presence in the entirety of Northern Iberia, bordering the Arverni confederation. And now there are Volcae and Romans all across this frontier as well. Essentially, the Arverni don't really want either side to win; the Barcids are in a hugely expansionistic phase, but the Italians are hardly slouches as well, and they don't want to be sandwiched in the south between Italian Pyrenees and Italian Alps.

There are multiple ways of dealing with the situation. One way is indicated by the title that the Arverni King claimed in his letter to the Romans/Italians, 'King of Gauls'.

 

[Errnge]

One thought that has crossed my mind is this... is the Arverni at all concerned about a giant Germanic power reorganizing itself on its other border? I realize its a "the enemy of my enemy" situation in some ways but I believe the Volcae are going to be extremely concerning for a fragile federation such as the Arverni.

The Volcae are Celtic...

 

[Daeres]

The Third Punic War - 157 BC
​

“Homotimos, I bring with me Boularchos of Metapontion and Zakoros of Neapolis, envoys of the Italian Federation.” The courier then lowered to his knees briefly before departing, leaving the two ambassadors alone with their counterpart. They were stood on the outer wall of the city, with the midday sun beating down and the smell of the sea in the air..
“I don’t expect you to bow, I know it doesn’t suit you Westerners very much,” said Eumenes, breaking the silence, “And I know you’re not used to Princes and Royal families. I will be fine with being addressed as Eumenes.”
“Honoured Eumenes,” began Zakoros, “We come on behalf of the Italian Senate with great purpose.”
“Yes, I expect you have, unless you delight in making fat old men travel more than twenty miles from his estates. It would do us both good if you would elaborate.”
“As you wish. It has surely been made known to you of the great struggle to the West, between the Phoenicians and Italians. Against the ancient foe of both our peoples as Hellenes, we seek the aid of your mighty kingdom, in particular your magnificent navy.”

Eumenes snorted.
“Run out of Neapolitans have you? I was repeatedly told by traders visiting nearest Alexandria that you Italiotes had the best navy in all the seas, what need do such proud sailors have with my brother’s ships? I should point out that it is his mighty kingdom, and his magnificent navy.”
“The Phoenicians have long sat in preparation for their attack on our lands, their treasuries filled with Iberian gold and silver. We Italiotes do have a fine navy, but the Egyptian navy is of excellent quality, the secret envy of even us Italiotes! And we need every last skilled ship that can be found in.”
“I believe that last part. Boularchos of Metapontion, you’ve kept quiet so far. What do you have to say to me? I thought the Romans usually sent a watchdog over with their Italian compatriotes, what exempts you from their hounds? You’re not some Senator’s catamite are you...”
Boularchos stirred, a gentle smile on his face visible even under his enormous beard.
“Does this look like the arse of a catamite to you? And who could stand to look at this bushy face every morning except for my wife?”

The three men laughed, though in Zakoros’ case nervously.
“Fair enough, but I assume that you weren’t sent here to lament your facial features.”
“Indeed not, Eumenes. My young friend here is a bit wet behind the ears, but he means well and what he said is true. Only an idiot could ignore that the Egyptian navy is highly skilled, who else has navigators that so readily travel to places like Rhapta and India? Italy is fighting this Barcid Empire, and we need men. The reason no Roman is with me is because they’re all either fighting, commanding, or praying. Myself and Zakoros have been sent to negotiate for Egypt’s help.”
“What claim does Italy have on my brother’s ships and strength?”
“A treaty of friendship inherited from the Roman Republic, and bonds between fellow Hellenes.” replied Zakoros.
“That treaty of friendship was designed to act against Carthage, a city rather notable by its peace and quiet these days. And the Italian Federation isn’t a Hellenic Kingdom or a polis, it’s still ruled by Romans. The only Hellenes around that I have common bonds with are the two of you, am I to be providing the two of you with ships personally? Are you aiming to go off and forge your own little kingdom, sitting out this war with the Barcids on a throne with a brace of whores and a diadem of your very own?”

“Don’t be naive, Eumenes,” interjected Boularchos, “You know very well that the Barcids will recapture Carthage if they can. If they succeed in doing that, and in taking even a portion of Italy, they will be more powerful than old Carthage even at its apogee. They are causing mayhem in the Mediterranean’s shipping lanes with their privateers, we actually had to fight some pirates on our way here. That’s why one our ships has that ugly prow, incidentally I’m hoping to get that repainted while we’re at port here.”
“Please do so, you’d be doing us all a favour. Why do pirates in the seas around Italy and Illyria bother us? Didn’t you just mention our regular visits to India and far-off Rhapta, which it seems to me furnish us with enormous wealth and splendour?”
“Wealth is not the reason to worry about Barcid control of the seas.” began Zakoros with a little more confidence, “Between your mighty dynasty and the Argeads, the eastern Mediterranean has been at total peace for generations with very few exceptions. Even the goings on in Hellas and the Aegean haven’t yet destroyed that peace. But give the Barcids control over the West Mediterranean and they will do their utmost to wreck your security.”
Eumenes chuckled.
“We’ll make a diplomat out of you yet. Come with me a moment.”

The three looked a little further down the wall, further towards the sea. A small silver tripod had been set up with a bowl placed upon it; the bowl was filled with ripe, colourful and lovely fruits. Eumenes picked up a brilliantly crimson round fruit, and offered it to Zakoros.
“Rhapta plum?”
Zakoros took it, and bit into its sweet flesh. His lips became a deep red from its juices.
“I know this sort of luxury bothers you Boularchos, I could see your look of contempt when I offered the fruit.”
“If I might be so bold, Eumenes, I’ve never really enjoyed seeing someone grow too fond of indulging in soft things.”
“You’re a hard sea man, Boularchos. You’re not like our merchants and merchant-princes, you’re a good old fashioned captain. I’m not a sea man, I’m a general. Or rather, I was. I’ve fought Libyans, Nubians, Arabs, and even other Greeks. I fought for three decades. I’ve earned the right to get fat, eat fruit, and wear this particularly expensive kausia, and one day you’ll feel like this too.”
“Maybe I will, though I’ve never been sure I’ll live that long.” Boularchos turned and stared out to sea. “Tell me honestly, if I were talking to Basileos Eumenes right now, would you be granting Italy’s request for aid?”

“The Barcids will make trouble, that’s absolutely certain. But Iberia is a long way from here in Apollonia to go die at the whims of Italians. I would have to be certain that my ships would return, and that I would be well recompensed for the risk.”
Eumenes sighed.
“The world is not as it was in the time of my grandfather, or yours. The Argeads would have immediately aided your cause, and us along with them. But now the Argeads are dying, and our kingdom is fetid from its own riches. Everywhere you look, merchants want to be princes and some even want to be Basileos. All they want to do is to get rich, get fat, and die at the age of eighty surrounded by silken cushions.”
Zakaros had finished the plum.
“The name Ptolemy commands fear and respect across the entire Mediterranean for a reason, and your anointed brother needs to remind his subjects that their purpose in life is to serve. I swear by Apollo, Zeus and Pluton that your men will be taken care of and your ships will come back home.”
Eumenes smirked.
“We usually swear by Alexander or Ammon-Zeus here in Egypt, but you’re both uncouth Westerners so that’s only to be expected.” He paused for a moment. “Italy is young, I can easily remember a time when all of you hated one another and your Roman masters too. Now you’re all queuing to call each other brother Italians. From one old soldier to another, Boularchos, why should I trust such a Federation with arms when it seems so temperamental?”
Boularchos turned back from the sea, and scratched his bushy beard.
“Because Italy has been united by purpose, and not through the whims of a conquering King. I’ve known a great deal of those in my time, and I’ve even served a couple. This unified will is a terrifying thing Eumenes, and it would be best to have it on your side.”

​

At 157 BC began, a stalemate had become apparent. Fronts were seesawing year on year, neither side gaining a decisive advantage. The Italians decided that the best way to break it was to use diplomacy to remind old allies of ancient ties, or perhaps to acquire new allies. Boularchos of Metapontion was sent to attempt to rekindle the old Roman-Ptolemaic alliance, and found partial success. No Ptolemaic army would accompany him back to Italy, but he was given an ‘escort’ of fifty ships to protect him against pirates, and this escort was actually being loaned to the Italians to clear the seas of Barcid privateers. In the Aegean, envoys had far less luck. The Hellenic League, having undergone one of its periodic name changes, was now the Third Alliance of Persian Remembrance and on the warpath. The withdrawal of the Argead Empire from Europe and Anatolia had left many successor states, and after years of being an Argead puppet the Hellenic League had found itself room to grow. It was in no mood to go to war against Phoenicians. Similar responses were to be found across the Aegean. The Argeads were committed to other wars of their own, and no help would come from there.

Boularchos spent the rest of the year hunting down and capturing/destroying Barcid privateers. He chased them across the Adriatic, the Gulf of Taras, the coast of Sicily and even parts of the Aegean. The sea-power that he possessed was immense, and no single squadron or lone quinquereme could hope to match it. The arteries of the Mediterranean began to flow once more, as the thread of pirate raids diminished. This did have consequences back in Italy; many became suspicious of Boularchos having so much power concentrated in his hands, and the rumours caught up to him when he made port at Syrakuse. Seeing where this could lead, he took the decision to voluntarily resign his admiralship and allow the Italian Senate to appoint a new one. This salvaged his reputation from accusations of being power-hungry and instituted the tradition of rotating admirals in Italy’s navies following his example. His work had been vital, however- not only had trade become viable once more, but it had shown the Mediterranean that the new state of Italy was capable of policing its own waters and guaranteeing safe passage across the seas.

The Barcids did still hold the upper hand in the war, if barely; Sardinia was secured and Barcid fleets were able to operate from its harbours. It continued to pose a direct threat to the Italian mainland, and if Sicily were similarly captured it would have been a devastating blow. Sicily had not yet been captured, so the Barcids went for a potential alternative- the island of Corsica. The operation at first seemed to be simple; a naval operation would accompany the movement of forces from Sardinia and capture the island very quickly. At first this seemed highly likely; a Roman fleet was smashed off the coast of the island, leaving the amphibious operation able to commence. Unfortunately, trouble was now brewing in Sardinia; the Sards had been in negotiations with the Barcid military governor regarding their autonomy. However, the stalling of the Barcids had led them to unilaterally declare independence. In order to allow resources to move onto Corsica, a final negotiation was attempted. But the Barcid governor grew so frustrated that not only did the negotiations fail but he also killed several of the representatives sent to him. This unprofessional conduct led the end of the Sard-Barcid alliances, and the entire Sard population of the island now declared war on the garrison. Suddenly beset on all sides, the Corsica expedition would have to make do without Sardinian reinforcements. The Barcid governor became derisively nicknamed ‘Iratus’ by the Italians.

In Corsica itself, the expedition was immediately beset by problems. Tales of Barcid cruelty in Sardinia had been gleefully spread by the Italians, and the natives of Corsica immediately and decisively intervened on behalf of the Italian garrison. The Barcid army did achieve two major victories in the field, one against a native army and another against a combined Italo-Native force. But neither victory actually resulted in the capture of significant territory, and the Barcid fleet had been forced to return home leaving only a few squadrons with which to defend the island. The mountains of the island’s interiors made any attempt to cross the island extremely hazardous, even without reckoning in the angry Corsicans. Progress was thus made by capturing coastal territory, and this proved insufficient; every garrison bled strength from the expedition, and every time the army moved on the towns and ports would be besieged once again and in many cases retaken. Without the reinforcements from Sardinia the Barcid expedition simply didn’t have the manpower to properly invest the island. A full Italian counter-attack led to the majority of the Barcid survivors making their way to Sardinia, though several regiments were lost when a Sard tribe fell upon them soon after their ships beached.

In Sicily, the rapid progress of Pompo Statiis came to a halt as one city rebuffed all demands to surrender and provided such stiff resistance that the entire offensive became bogged down and committed to a siege. The city of Heraclea simply would not budge, and had supplies to match. But its garrison was too large to simply ignore, and so siege machines were ordered; ballista made by Hellenic engineers were constructed, along with ladders, siege towers and a whole panoply of others. On the appointed day, the assaults began. For a week Heraclea resisted all that was thrown at her. On the eight day, Pompo himself led the charge over the walls. The fighting was extremely fierce, and Pompo lost a hand in the rather vicious hand to hand fighting. But after the exhausting battle was over, the Barcid garrison was dead or surrendered and the walls flew the man-headed bull of Italy. The efforts had been exhausting enough that the campaign had to be halted then and there to allow time for reinforcements and recovery, but Pompo ended his final year of magistracy on a high note as the man who had saved Sicily from disaster and had displaced conspicuous bravery. He bore the mural crown as first to storm the battlements, and was allowed a triumph in Rome herself with his Umbrian legion, a very high honour indeed for a non-Roman and his men. He returned to his native Umbria with a new epithet, “Unimanus”.

The great victory belied a continuing stalemate in Sicily, however. The recapture of Heraclea was soured by the Barcids capturing Himera, and pressing the enclave at Panoremus even harder. However, the sight of the Epirote lion in the port of Syrakuse changed everything; Epirus had finally been able to spare an army, and it arrived in Sicily to rapturous appreciation from the Italians. The feeling was that the Barcids could be pushed off the island completely, here and now. The Epirotes, being fresh troops, were sent to the north to head off the Barcid army’s progress towards Agyrium, and the Italian legions under their new Proconsul (Capua’s Pacuvius Calavius) marched west to retake the Western coast. The Italians retook Lilybaeum and Eryx, and continued to operate outside of the traditional campaign season; the reasoning was that the Italians wanted to destroy the Barcid army of Sicily before it could reinforced. The Epirotes did not defeat the Barcids, but slowed their progress enough that the Barcids attempted to return to Himera before the end of the campaign season. The Italians then tried to catch them on the march, but were foiled by a successful feint which directed the Italians to following a small cavalry regiment whilst the rest of the Barcids safely reached Himera. However, the Italians and Epirotes were now able to link up and bottled up the Barcid army in Himera. The conditions were considered too adverse for an assault, but the city was still invested with a siege and also with a naval blockade. The stage was set for the theatre of Sicily to be definitively decided.

In Iberia, the Barcids committed an enormous amount of resources to rooting out the Italians and clamping down on the Volcae partisans. After causing sufficient damage to the fortifications, the Italians abandoned their forward post at Migdol and began a fighting retreat back along the Pyrenees. The Barcids followed as best as they could and were skilled mountaineers. However, the Italians still had freedom of Arverni territory, and crossed the border in expectation of safety. This did not succeed in halting the Barcids and in the depths of the southern Helvetic territory the Italians were cornered. In an act of bravery that resounded throughout the Mediterranean, the Roman legion threw itself at the Barcids to enable the Venetic legion to escape back to Italy. The Roman legion of 5,500 men, complete with Consul, was killed or enslaved to the last man. This was a disaster for Rome, and public mourning in Rome accompanied the general paranoia of a Barcid invasion by the sea. But politically it was invaluable for the fledgling Italian Federation- the visible sacrifice of Romans on behalf of other Italians strengthened the bonds between the pagi of the Federation considerably, and the nervous energy that had propelled the Italians in their new state was being replaced with a genuine respect and sense of common purpose. The Punic War was strengthening the foundations of Italy. In addition, the Barcid venture into Arverni territory was a diplomatic disaster. The Arverni King could not possibly tolerate either the incursion of Barcid troops into lands under his rule or the killing of strangers under his protection as King. The Barcid general, and his King, had underestimated the Arverni as being simply another barbarian confederation and did not realise what the Italians already had- the Arverni were becoming the third great European Empire. The Arverni were being forced from their position of interested neutrality into being an active player in the war. The Arverni King recalled an army from the North, and began to assemble another in the south formed of fearsome Helvetii professionals. If the Barcids wanted to start a war in the Pyrenees, the Arverni would be ready.

The general feeling that fortune was now favouring the Italians was counterbalanced in one theatre- Africa. Realising that reassignment was unlikely, Carthalho had pressed into Roman Africa after receiving reinforcements from Gadir. A few of the Phoenician cities in Africa defected without a fight, whereas Utica had to be besieged and assaulted- the city had done extremely well under first the Romans and then the Italians, and had no interest in Barcid revanchism. The Italians were unable to bring Carthalho to heel, constantly being flanked, outmanoeuvred, and outpaced. Though he had already become infamous to the Italians, he was winning a reputation as the greatest general of the war. He was also somewhat respected- no city that he took was ever subject to total pillage and slaughter, though he had threatened this on occasion to force surrenders. His general conduct and judicious approach to his enemies won him grudging respect from his opponents, even as they hated him for his constant victories. Carthalho reached his apogee as prince of the Barcid Empire when, in late 157 BC, he was able to put Carthage under siege. Though many other fronts were proving difficult for the Barcids, he was within sight of a total victory. Carthage was going to be returned to Phoenician control, and when that happened who knew how the Phoenicians of Italian territories would react? There was still a significant chance of the Barcids achieving total victory in the war.

Ongoing Fronts in the War in 157 BC

North Africa

Sicily

North-Eastern Iberia

Completed Conquests

Sardinia-Barcid
​

 

[Errnge]

Wow. Very interesting.

I'm rooting for the Barcids, personally, and hope they are wise not to piss off the Arverni any more. Also, I like the idea of Iberian tribes becoming a dominant force in the Mediterranean. A Celtiberian colony here, a Turditani colony there

Also, if the Barcids retake Carthage, there is the question of where will they govern from? Will they continue to rule from Iberia, or will they go back to making Africa their axis point?

 

[St. Just]

I'm rooting for the Barcids as well

 

[willbell]

So, as long as they don't mess too much with the Arverni the Barcids are set in both Iberia and Africa, with Sicily seemingly going to the Romans? This should be interesting, I am concerned that the Barcids don't seem to have any friends, the Arverni, Corsicans, Egyptians, Hellenes (for obvious reasons), Volcae (for obvious reasons), etc all seem to hate them and that isn't what a powerful empire needs to get off the ground, we'll see where this goes I guess but I feel as if the Barcids need some powerful friends in this fight even if they have a lead still.

Also, I am very anti-Italian which makes me pro-Barcid.

 

[Daeres]

Wow. Very interesting.

I'm rooting for the Barcids, personally, and hope they are wise not to piss off the Arverni any more. Also, I like the idea of Iberian tribes becoming a dominant force in the Mediterranean. A Celtiberian colony here, a Turditani colony there

Also, if the Barcids retake Carthage, there is the question of where will they govern from? Will they continue to rule from Iberia, or will they go back to making Africa their axis point?

That is, indeed, a pertinent question. You might have noticed that Carthalho, next in line to the throne, is not particularly thrilled with the current direction the Barcids are going in. As it is, the Barcids are trying to take a city that is almost ungovernable from their current power bases- none of eastern Iberia has actually been consolidated. Who would govern Carthage, who could be trusted to govern in the Barcids' name without direct supervision? The Carthaginians/Phoenicians of Africa are, in many cases, not even all that pleased to see the Barcids as they'd enjoyed relative peace and quiet for about a half century before this war began.

So given all of that, you're right on the money by questioning the mechanics of all this.

The Barcids have basically created an Iberian Empire out of sheer willpower and determination, they're extremely skilled soldiers and they have all the resources to make not only a powerful Empire but a beautiful one. However, this is counterbalanced by the fact that a) the older generation of Barcid Phoenicians have rather dismissive views of most Iberians, let alone anyone else and b) people like the current King have been obsessed over getting revenge on Rome/Italy.

This comment is right on the money;

This should be interesting, I am concerned that the Barcids don't seem to have any friends, the Arverni, Corsicans, Egyptians, Hellenes (for obvious reasons), Volcae (for obvious reasons), etc all seem to hate them and that isn't what a powerful empire needs to get off the ground, we'll see where this goes I guess but I feel as if the Barcids need some powerful friends in this fight even if they have a lead still.

Let me put you in Carthalho's mindset; say the Barcids actually destroyed the Italian Federation, what next? They'd be the premier power of the Mediterranean. And they'd be surrounded by states that now all hate them, *and* are incredibly threatened by them. How are the Averni likely to react to a state spanning Iberia, Africa and Italy? How would they hold Italy, given how a sense of 'Italy' has emerged' and given how the Italians would definitely not expect mercy?

The Barcids *could* win, but would they survive?

So, for those of you rooting for the Barcids, the question becomes this; what would actually be a win, in the long run, for the Barcids?

 

[Errnge]

It seems to me (and maybe this is just in the mindset of considering OTLs Punic Wars) that should the Barcids win this war, it would be winning in order to survive, whereas if the Italians win, it would be winning in order to expand their control of Iberia. The Barcids can't hold Italy, and I assume they know that, but they can cripple it, and retake lost ground, particularly Mediterranean islands and the African coastline.

 

[St. Just]

A long-term win would be the seizure of Roman Iberia but a loss in Sicily and most of Africa (a Barcid tip/Tangiers would be necessary). Make it so that they win, but not dominantly win- win enough to survive attack and keep Italy around as a counterweight to the Arverni that can be played against it.

 

[Daeres]

It seems to me (and maybe this is just in the mindset of considering OTLs Punic Wars) that should the Barcids win this war, it would be winning in order to survive, whereas if the Italians win, it would be winning in order to expand their control of Iberia. The Barcids can't hold Italy, and I assume they know that, but they can cripple it, and retake lost ground, particularly Mediterranean islands and the African coastline.

This was, initially, an aggressive war on the part of the Barcids to gain control over Iberia. But you are right, if they lose the war the Italians will do all in their power to completely deconstruct the Barcid Empire even if it takes decades. But the Italians consider it a war of survival too, since they know how much the Barcid leadership is out for their blood. If they'd had the opportunity, the Barcids would have invaded Italy and would have been rather unpleasant about it. As long as Italy feels that threatened by the Barcids, it's going to go all Rome on them and spend everything to remove them like they did to the Carthaginians. Will the Barcids be smart enough to avoid that, is the question.

 

[Daeres]

The End of the Third Punic War- 156 BC
​

At the camp of the Arverni King

Esunertos, king of the Arverni, sat in his long tent. He was not alone; all of his best and brightest followers were seated around. Whatever was to transpire next it would be public.
Three figures approached Esunertos, and then lowered themselves. The Arverni King looked at the approaching ambassadors; they had spent some effort on their appearance, with gold ornaments and fine coloured clothes. But under the finery were cuts, and bruises, and the probable leader had a very fresh cut over his right eyelid that was still causing him visible pain.
“Honoured guests from our brothers the Volcae, please rise.” said Esunertos.
The figures rose, and the man with the wounded eye was indeed the leader; he began to speak.

“Great Verrix of Gaul, I am Nertomaros and a prince among my people. We ask of you your patience, your mercy, and your aid. We ask that your armies march to Iberia, and that you aid our struggle against the Barcid King. He inflicts much sorrow upon us, hard defeats, and our defiance at his attempts to tyrannise us has earned his ire. The Italians do not have the strength alone to do this thing, and so we of the Volcae are here to ask you, Great Verrix, for this thing.”
Esunertos stroked his beard theatrically- it was expected of him to be boisterous and overly-dramatic.
“Your plight moves me, prince of the Volcae. I would hear more of your tale.”
“Five years ago now, the armies of the Barcid King crossed our border without warning. We had hoped that an alliance with the Italians would protect us from him, as we had heard of his avarice and his savagery. But they too were overrun by the Barcid hordes. The barbarians were too strong for us, though we fought valiantly. Then the Italians sent reinforcements, and we thought that our time had come. We broke off our newly forged chains, slaughtered their warriors and threw them back across the Ebro. But more barbarians came East, the Italians were killed or driven off, and then they turned their attention to our lands once more. Our women were raped, our villages burned, our fortresses razed. We have been harassed and harried all the way to the Pyrenees.”
Esunertos stood up, and cast his arms wide.
“My brothers, you have indeed been the victim of many sorrows. May Avernos reforge your people under his guiding light! I am moved to tears by the sad saga of your people. But though I dearly want to help your noble people, I am at a loss! My own laws bind me only to protect the tribes under my protection, I have not the right to take my loyal subjects into battle. My hands are tied! What would you have me do, noble prince?”

“My tribe is not subject to yours, Great Verrix, but you are the King of Gaul,” said Nertomartos, though he couldn’t help but grimace as he called Esunertos ‘King of Gaul’, “We beg of you as fellow Gauls that you save us from this Barcid King.”
I couldn’t have planned this if I tried, thought Esunertos. The existing mood, the pleading, and evoking the idea that Gauls should defend Gauls. This is the opportunity I was praying for.
“Friends, I am the earthly incarnation of Avernos, our protector. I am still subject to the laws that all of us follow, even as his avatar. But there are times in which the bounds of the law cannot hope to expect what is right in our hearts! Do we not allow for the truly righteous to disobey the law in order to fulfill the greater good? And right now, my heart tells me that we must attack the Barcid King and lay him low! We must cut off his hand, cut off his head and burn his body whilst it lays in the ruin of his capital! Not only has he violated our most sacred right of hospitality and pillaged our lands, but now he seeks to wipe out fellow Gauls right under our noses! I cannot allow that to happen! My worth as your Verrix is nothing if I cannot protect every single Gaul, even those who do not recognise the ascendancy of Avernos! These barbarians have committed outrages, and must be challenged! I say, as King of Gaul, that we must march on the Barcids! Who is with me?”
The entire tent erupted in cheers and yells. Esunertos smiled inwardly; the time had now come for the Arverni to make themselves known to the entire Mediterranean.

​

The Barcid cause was suddenly thrown into total doubt upon the entry of the Arverni into the war. The war was now in complete reversal; the combined resources of the Arverni and the Italians were easily enough to directly invade Iberia. The Barcid court was thrown into chaos as the full extent of their mistake was being realised. The Arverni were determined to prove that they were not to be trifled with, and simply by entering the war they had already succeeded. King Hamilcar was totally defiant; he was determined to prove that not only were Italians an inferior people to be cleansed from the earth, but so too were the Gauls. His mood did not reflect that of the rest of his state- reactions varied from confusion to outright panic. Confidence in King Hamilcar began to plummet, particularly as he seemed to be convinced that the Barcids would simply triumph no matter how great the odds. Rather than being a symbol of defiance, he became a symbol of delusion.

The Barcid Camp outside of Carthage

Carthalho’s face lost all of its colour.
“You’re quite certain? The Arverni have declared war?”
“My Prince, I braved three Italian fleets to get this message to you quickly. I did not mistake what happened.”
“What does my father the king seek to do about it?”
“He said that the Barcids prevail over all, be they Gaul, Iberian or Italian. He was determined to fight on.”
“How can he possibly...! Please, leave us.” said Carthalho with a look of cold rage in his eyes that terrified Caciro.
After the messenger left, Carthalho smashed his hands down onto the tripod in front of him.
“Doesn’t he realise what this means?! The war is over! We cannot possibly defeat Italy and the Arverni. This isn’t bravery, it’s suicide! Pure and simple! We should be negotiating peace, right now. The Arverni King will be satiated if we ply him with gold, but it must happen now! I shouldn’t be here, I should be in court stopping this madness!”
Carthalho sighed, and rubbed his temples hard.
“What of Carthage?” said Caciro, cautiously.
“Carthage doesn’t matter, at all. It isn’t our capital or our homeland any more. Without Iberia, without Numantia, we’re lost.”
You’re thinking with your head, thought Caciro approvingly. Never one to let pride get in the way of making the right decision.
“Shall I raise the siege?”
“Yes Caciro, but I won’t be heading back with the army. I will be taking a hand picked regiment with me, and sailing straight back to Iberia ahead of our troops. The court is going to descend into chaos, the thread of actual punishment for our actions will make Numantia eat one another. I will leave by the end of the day.”
“But my Prince, if what you say is true then you will need troops to guarantee the security of the court.”
“Speed of action is of the essence, Caciro,” said Carthalho with a look of grim determination, “I am at a disadvantage by being here and must rectify that immediately. I only have one mission now; saving the Kingdom.”

​

In the midst of chaos, some will always see their opportunity for advancement. The brother of King Hamilcar, Philosir, saw his chance to gain power in the chaos of the court. King Hamilcar suffered a suspicious and sudden illness that resulted in his death only days before Crown Prince Carthalho arrived back from Africa. He was not an incompetent man, being both a capable administrator and a cunning general. However, he was avaricious and a usurper. A failure by Carthalho to remove his uncle from his temporary seat of power would have probably spelled the end of the Barcid Empire, as the authority the dynasty possessed would have vanished overnight and a myriad number of Iberian tribes would desert the Empire. It remained an Empire founded on the mystique and prestige of the Barcid family, and that had to be preserved at all costs. Carthalho and his regiment quickly made their way across the fastest roads, aiming to arrive in Numantia well before Philosir had a chance to inflict real damage whilst also hoping to outrun any Arverni or Italian invasion.

Numantia, Capital of the Barcid Empire

The sound of military boots on polished stone filled the Great Hall at Numantia, as Carthalho approached with his guard. As they reached the entrance, they found no guards blocking the way, and the door was opened for them. Carthalho didn’t hesitate, and walked into the throne room of the Barcid Empire. He hadn’t failed to notice the armoured soldiers ‘hidden’ in the northern and southern walls’ alcoves. Other than that, the Hall was as filled as it usually was with a mixture of bureaucrats, generals, diplomats and other hangers on of the court. Whispers echoed in the beautifully decorated chamber, as Carthalho continued to stride forward. He then came to a halt with his fifty men, some yards away from the throne. Sitting on the throne was his uncle Philosir, in full military regalia.

“You have arrived just in time, Crown Prince Carthalho. I am to leave at once to meet the Gallic Barbarians in battle, and as Crown Prince and one of our finest generals your expertise will be sorely needed.”
Philosir then adjusted his sleeve.
“Incidentally, it is considered customary to bow before your king beloved nephew.”

Carthalho paused a moment.
“You are not the King, honoured Uncle. As firstborn son of King Hamilcar, my beloved father, it is my throne that you sit upon and my diadem that you covet.”
Philosir smiled.
“Nephew, normally you would be absolutely right and I can easily forgive you for making the mistake. But your brothers’ last testimony clearly stated that I am to be King. Your talents are well known, and do not take it as a slight from your late father. You will be my heir, and when I die it is you who will inherit the throne.”
Carthalho laughed, eliciting stares from the entire room.
“Uncle, you have a very great talent for remaining calm I will certainly grant you that! And it is true that a last testimony can in certain circumstances override our laws of succession as laid down by my grandfather king Mago. But I fear you have overlooked two things; the first is that the King’s wife must hear this testimony and report it in order for it to be considered valid. Where might my dearest mother be?”
Whispers again broke out around the room, and Philosir began to look uncomfortable.
“What second point have I allegedly overlooked?”
Carthalho stared at Philosir right in the eyes.
“That I am not here to whine like a child to get my throne. There is a reason that guards are here with me. If you will not submit to the law of our Kingdom and the laws that you swore to uphold by Melqart and Rabat Tanit herself, then I will remove you.”

Philosir remained seated, but his eyes were daggers.
“If you are not here to whine like a child, you are here instead to steal the throne at swordpoint then nephew? So be it! Guards!”
From both walls emerged around sixty heavily armoured Phoenicians, and the court’s crowd immediately cleared out of the way.
“Violence, Carthalho, can only be answered with violence. I will not allow you to besmirch the line of Mago with your treachery.”
The guards raised spears and their shields, and Carthalo’s men did the same.
Carthalo smiled.
“No. This is not how events will unfold. There will be no violence.”
Everyone looked uncertainly at one another. Carthalo took another step forward.
“Uncle, did you really think I would waltz here without having taken certain precautions? The city already belongs to me, and do you know why? Almost every tower, bastion, watchhouse and barracks went over without a fight. You have been a capable general in your time, and are certainly older than myself. But I am the son of King Hamilcar, conqueror of the North East, conqueror of Sardinia, and conqueror of Africa. I am not just talented, I am undefeated in this entire war. I am the hero of the Kingdom, and I have personally led half of our currently fielded armies at one time or another. I am the chosen of Baal Hammon and of the people. That is why the men surrendered, because they know that I will lead them to victory and that I will show them true justice. That is also why all of your guards are about to stand down, and remain unharmed. Because they are servants of the King, and I am the King, and I command them to drop their weapons.”

There was a moment of dreadful silence. It was broken by the sound of fifty guards dropping their spears onto the floor.
The entire room bowed at Carthalho, save for a few stragglers who slunk off and also Carthalo’s guards who stood impassively.
Philosir looked at his nephew for a moment, and then made up his mind. He took off his diadem, and walked over to Carthalho. He bent over to Carthalho’s ear.
“Do I have your word that my family will be unharmed, nephew?”
“I swear it, uncle.”
Philosir then smiled very slightly, before clearing his throat.
“I surrender this diadem, crown of the Kingdom, to the firstborn son of King Hamilcar. With this crown I surrender my Kingship, my claim to the Kingdom, and my life. Long live King Carthalho Barca!” cried Philosir, placing the diadem on Carthalho’s head.
“Long live King Carthalho Barca!” echoed around the chamber.
King Carthalho nodded very slightly to his uncle, in gratitude for taking the decision to avoid bloodshed, before raising his right hand in a royal gesture.
“I order the arrest of Royal Companion Philosir Barca, who is to be taken into the care of Tanit as he has been possessed by a demon. He will remain in custody until his spirit has been cleansed, and will never again leave this city for fear that a demon will again corrupt his spirit.”
As Philosir was led out of the room by a party of armed men, Carthalho walked up the remainder of the hall to the now recently vacated throne. He sat upon it, and clasped his hands together pensively.
“Now, we must turn to the matter of the War.”

​

The Arverni army, already assembled, quickly forged its way to the remaining Volcae held territory, and forced back the Barcid army set in its path. The Arverni fought like demons, for this was their chance to prove their stature in battle as equal to the Italians and Barcids alike. Esunertos personally led the army, and proved himself an able logistician. However, once he arrived in Volcae territory his progress slowed; the Arverni army burned fields, looted villages, took some slaves, but did not make for Numantia as might seem sensible. The reason was that whilst Esunertos would have been satisfied to sack Numantia, he was actually aiming for a negotiated peace settlement. His army’s return home would be bought by a fearsome tribute from the Barcids, and the Arverni would gain maximum prestige and material gain for minimum risk and loss of resources. For his political acumen, Esunertos would be known to the Italians after the conflict as Esunertus Dolosus, and for good reason; Esunertos was the King who broke the image of Gauls as Barbarians in the West. His diplomatic manipulations and ability to make the best of any situation could not be ignored, nor his articulacy. So Esunertos was content to satisfy his troops with little plunder in the expectation of far greater riches.

Tarraco

The two men stared at each other for some time before speaking.
“Italy demands that you return all of the enslaved Italians you took during the war, and the return of the Third Legion’s standard. Ignore this, and we will burn Numantia to the ground.” said Scipio in rather icy Greek.
Carthalho narrowed his eyes.
“You will demand nothing. I will respond to no diplomacy predicated upon fire and devastation. I realise you’re an old fashioned Roman, but from Publius Cornelius Scipio I expected a little better. This is not a meeting for you to demand, but a negotiation.”
Scipio looked at Carthalho with a little curiosity.
“You have more backbone than many Carthaginians I have known in my lifetime, I will certainly give you that. What terms do you present to me then?”
“Firstly, that you acknowledge my suzerainty over Iberia, and quit the peninsula for all time. All of your former provincial territory will be under my authority.”
Scipio spat.
“Many Italians died over that territory. Are you really asking us to simply forget that, and to allow your Kingdom to gain even more power?”
“Allow me to complete my list of terms. Secondly, all Italian hostages will be returned to you unharmed, along with any Italians enslaved during the war. Accompanying them will be several important treasures taken during sieges, and the Standard of the Third Legion. Any remaining Italian citizens in Iberia will be allowed to leave unmolested, and any that choose to remain will also remain unmolested.”
“You would give me what I asked for anyway, even without the threat of violence? I thought that the Barcids wanted to see Italy destroyed, why are you returning us so much that could be used as leverage?”
Carthalho chuckled a little bit.
“You really should not point that out, Scipio. I am of course a bloodthirsty Barbarian, prone to change my mood at the whim of the moon and stars!”
Scipio glowered again.
“Don’t treat me like a child, Barcid. Why are you being so generous?”

Carthalho rubbed his thumbs together absent mindedly, before replying.
“My father did aim for the destruction of Italy entirely, there is no point in lying about that. Even now, there are many who want me to buy off the Arverni and then launch a full assault on Italy. I am telling you this because I need you to understand something, and I need Italy to understand something. The vendetta between my family and Italy must end, and it will end, today if I can help it. Perhaps we could sack Italy...”
“Or perhaps not.” said Scipio on reflex.
“... or perhaps not. But if we did, what would come of it? You would simply stoke your hatreds and come back when your numbers had recovered. We would have earned your hatred for all time, and the rest of the world would resent us even more. My honoured father, may he rest in peace, made one dreadful mistake in his life; he thought that we could and should stand on our own, the opinions of others had no consequence. Well he was wrong, we cannot stand on their own. I am not interested in destroying Italy so long as it does not threaten me. I am not interested in sacking Rome so long as it does not threaten me. Bluster aside, Scipio, I really could erase Italy if I was so determined. I’d dismantle it, city by city, region by region, until all you had left was the distant memory of power. But I do not wish this. A hatred for Rome, and Italy, is unbecoming of a King. It would destroy us as surely as it would destroy you.”

“So you really would have peace then, Barcid? What are the rest of your terms?”
“Thirdly, you will peacefully quit the Balaeric islands, and this will become a possession of my kingdom.”
“This is not sounding like peace.”
“Fourthly, all other territory that has been occupied or claimed by my kingdom will be returned to you. Sardinia will be returned to your control, Sicily also so long as the army at Himera is allowed to depart in peace. As will North Africa, the borders there shall return to their prewar status. I renounce all claim to Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Africa, Malta.”
From Scipio, there was silence.
“I must admit that I was not expecting you to go so far. It is a conqueror’s right to retain their hard won territory, come what may. If it had been myself, I would not have given up Sardinia.”
“We do not live in the east, Scipio, where men claim land with spears alone. We live under laws. You live under the Italian Senate, and the Roman Senate. I live under the laws that King Mago laid down, and the responsibility of ruling this land. And therefore I use law, Roman, rather than my sword.”

​

King Carthalho, after asserting his kingship, acted quickly. He bought off the Arverni with a truly massive bribe of silver and gold, and also recognising the Volcae as subjects of the Arverni King if they left the boundaries of the Barcid Empire. This negotiation was respected, though it let the Barcid Pyrenees almost devoid of people for the time being, and with large tracts of the northern border marches smouldering in the wake of pillaging. More troublesome was the negotiations between Carthalho and Italy. The Italians sent the aged Scipio as their ambassador. Despite his age, the legendary Scipio was still made of iron and boiled leather. The negotiations were tense, and difficult. But Carthalho aimed to make peace, and in the end this was what was negotiated. The Barcids still had the whip hand with which to dictate their terms, even after everything that had happened. To the surprise of the Italians, the only territory that was claimed by Carthalho was Iberia and the Balaerics. All other occupied territory was to be returned to Italy or its otherwise rightful owners. Rome also received the lost Aquila of the Third Legion, and this earned Carthalho a little good will even on the streets of Rome. The various fronts of the war went silent, as the news of peace reached them. The Western Mediterranean was now finally returning to peace after almost six years of war. Italy had not been devastated, kings had not been toppled, peoples had not been wiped out.

The peace was seen as a victory by the Italians, and perhaps rightly so. Despite the newness of their state they had not only resisted the Barcids but pushed them back. In spite of their relative weakness they had not buckled under pressure. Italy had held together, and endured. There was visible proof that this was a state that could fight wars, and prevail. In addition, the war had led to the creation of more pan-Italian sentiment- many different Italian groups had served alongside one another in the war as equals. There was now the absolute assumption that any Italian citizen could be given command of any other group of Italians, and expect to win. Historically, the Italians portrayed the Barcids as fearful of the consequences of Italian wrath and as showing weakness that the Italians had permitted to go unpunished. But in reality, all with insight into the war knew that peace was the best option, and with King Carthalho it was perhaps a realistic option. Though many did it through gritted teeth, Italy prepared to live with the Barcids.

The Arverni, meanwhile, were the true winners of the war. In a stroke, Esunertos’ coffers were enriched, and his name echoed in every throne room and council hall in the Mediterranean. He had been the deciding factor in the war’s end, and this would not be forgotten. The tribute from the Barcids was immediately put to use- it was this gold that fueled a rapid new era of expansion for the Arverni after 150 BC, and the founding of a truly monumental capital at Gergovia. They were only slowed down by a series of vassal revolts between 149-138 BC, and the defeat of these rebellions further cemented the Arverni monarchy’s dominance. By the 130s BC, the Arverni were in total domination over Gaul and Aquitania, fulling controlling the northern coasts. In particular, a vital new acquisition was the lands of the Veneti and their trade links across Northern Europe’s coastlines. When Esunertos died, his successor Ateboduos was even able to make client kings in the distant British isles. The Arverni Empire had truly come into existence, and the Imperial Age of Europe was now a full reality.

 

[Daeres]

And here's a map that I've been holding out on posting for months, because I accidentally put in spoilers! Now that the Third Punic War has concluded, it's now safe to post. Not shown here is the negotiated transferral of the Balaerics to the Barcids.

​

 

[Daeres]

A long-term win would be the seizure of Roman Iberia but a loss in Sicily and most of Africa (a Barcid tip/Tangiers would be necessary). Make it so that they win, but not dominantly win- win enough to survive attack and keep Italy around as a counterweight to the Arverni that can be played against it.

You win a prize for predicting the update almost to the letter, and I will honestly swear this was always the plan.

The only exception is that the Republic of Gadir is considered to be the Barcid presence in Mauretania, as this stage it's nothing more than a Barcid patsy. So rather than a direct presence, the Barcids have their client state instead.

 

[Berserker]

Very impressive update!

 

[Errnge]

Hm. And a swift end to the war made possible by the Gauls. Nice.

I suspect the Barcids will expand their power south, and take advantage of Turdetani silver like their forefathers to pay off their debt. I also am surprised that there isn't more tension between them and the Republic of Gadir, considering that Gadir is by far the more strategically powerful position, controlling all Mediterranean-Atlantic trade.