Quote Originally Posted by HopAlongBunny
... I bet it shortens Rome's lifespan a great deal...
Perhaps not all of Rome, but the Scipii never had a chance. It seems like their entire strategy consists of storming Sicily in general, and Syracuse in particular. If the player can hold onto their slice of the island, it seriously hampers the Blue Ones to the point where they can do nothing but wait for their demise.
I do admit, though, that it was the hardest thing I've gone through with this game (so far). If I had not made peace with Macedon and Thrace, I would have been unable to focus on the defense of Syracuse.