The tale of Karthage

This is my first AAR, so bear with me. I am not applying any special house rules, other than I am not to attack another nation without them attacking me first. I can of course attack and take Eluetheroi settlements at will and their forces.

The Year is 255BC, Karthage is the dominating power in the Mediterranean in power, influence and trade. Not much stands in the way of further expansion in Africa or in other of Karthage's holdings in Sicily or Iberia.

Karthage has a tradition of strong ties with the many of the Numidian tribes, but recently many of the tribes decided to rise up against Karthage and their own rulers, many of whom are married to Karthage's most influential politicians and leaders.

The uprising, not exactly clear of its aim or reason, became violent very quickly. Many tribes killing their leaders out right and picking their own leader from within their own ranks. The Numidians, although not as advanced as Karthage in military terms nor economical, are fierce warriors. The men on horse riding without saddle, unarmored and armed light, making them fast and suite for hit and run tactics.

Karthage's ruler, Mago is an excellent and much liked leader. Through out Karthage's history not many of it's citizens ever served in the military, except for officers or generals and even then. Mago has served in the military several years back, successfully campaigning against local uprisings and restless Numidians, successfully bringing most of them under control. At age 40 he fully devoted his time into political life.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...mel22/mago.jpg

Now at the age of 61 Mago knew he had to choose an heir, although Karthage is a republic, with the rise of Mago as a powerful leader this has changed. Karthage still being ruled by the people and the council of hundred and four, but more and more being influenced by Mago as people saw him as a great and natural leader. He has been careful not to over step his bounds however, a few politicians wanting nothing more than seeing him crucified, but the majority would never allow it as he has only brought greatness to Karthage.

Many believed his successor, his heir would be his son, Hanno. However he surprised the people, including his own family when he picked a lesser known figure. Hamalcar, of the Barcid family. Some have noticed the Barcids and their rise to the public spotlight. If Mago chose him, he must of had a good reason. Although young, he has shown natural talent as a leader, militarily and politically.

Hamalcar
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...2/hamalcar.jpg

Towards the end of Mago's rules the Numidians who he worked so hard to subdue and become a steady ally and friend to Karthage, rebelled. He was however able to secure more territory for Karthage in the interior of Africa, and this possibly being the reason for the uprising. However this was approved initially by the chieftains of the Numidian tribes as they would benefit from it as much as Karthage.

However Mago saw that the interior of Africa did not have much to offer to Karthage in the terms of resources and income. So Mago made it his goal to expand its holdings else where.

Sicily was the first possible region of expansion, however Syracuse one of the biggest cities in Sicily has close ties with the Greeks and any attempt to for Karthage to expand its influence on the island would possibly be meant with protest and most likely a war. The only other possible area for expansion, with its many rich resources, mainly minerals, Iberia.

In his last years Mago saw the expansion of Karthage's holdings in Iberia with the capture of Sucum-Murgi and Baikor.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...2/Spain255.jpg

Karthage also expanded its territories in Northern Africa mainly the rich coastal areas. The most recent being the capture of Lixus.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...lixus255bc.jpg

To be continued...

nice job.... keep writing!

good job it's cool to see carthage advance in 1.0

253BC:

Tragedy struck Karthage, Mago, the leader who expanded Karthage’s interests in all forms, the leader who people believed in and loved, died. He died at the age of 63, leaving a legacy behind, a new leader is going to have to fill in a void and live up to standards of the people who come to expect a leader like Mago.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...odies253BC.jpg

Hamalcar already being a distinguished military leader, leading troops in battle personally against the Numidians, his family the Barcid’s being somewhat influential in politics has a tough spot to fill. Being only 19, some doubt his ability to lead a nation, an expanding nation, however Mago chose him for a reason.

When Mago was in power he sent diplomats abroad to many nations to establish good relations and trade rights with them. Diplomats reached as far as Baktria and the roaming nomad tribes of Saka Rauka, establishing diplomatic relations with them.

Diplomatic relations of Karthage with other nations:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...plomacy253.jpg

It is Hamalcar’s goal to maintain those relations as well, and preserve the prosperous trade between Karthage and other nations. He also began a project to establish a firm presence in the interior of Karthage’s African territory. To do this he ordered the construction of several watch posts to keep a constant presence and watch on locals.

In Iberia nothing much has changed, any offensive campaigning has been suspended to instead consolidate the recent territorial acquisition. The same course has been adopted in Africa after the capture of Lixus, the strategically important city located near the Pillars of Hercules.

Very good, keep it up!

hehe btw: Are you that same Panzer Meyer from the old RTR forums? If I remember correctly you were in the US-army or something and played RTR multiplayer from time to time.....?? :sweatdrop:

Thank you for the complements and thank you for reading.

@Lovejoy:
Yes I am the same Panzer Meyer from the RTR forums, I use to be in the USAF but close enough. I got out of the military last year. :)