214 -100 BC (Quid Romani?)

Decline
Following Rome's crushing defeat in the Third Battle of Nola, Rome was sacked by Hannibal and it was forced to sign a humilating treaty, forcing it to give up Sicily and much of Southern Italy to the Carthaginian, as well as limiting the military and war repariations. This started a downward spiral, with the Socii that were employed by Rome revolting, making Rome relying on mercenaries to crush them in 201 BC.

Collapse
The tribes of Rome later revolted against their failing state, and in 198 BC, Rome itself was sacked. Arminius, leader of the tribes, declared himself King of Rome, and held a nominal claim over the entire Italian Pennisula. Few in the outside world took his claim seriously, because Italy by 169 BC was several warring states, and the Carthaginian occupation in the South.

Rebirth
Following the war, Hannibal war celebrated as a war hero by many. Carthage had learnt a powerful lesson though, that is, the value of a professional army. Carthage had always relied on a force of mercenaries to keep its state intact, however, people began to see the systems flaws. So Carthage began to somewhat centralize their military force and train professional and native armies. It wasn't on the scale of the Roman Republic that was collapsing, however it was still something. by 203 BC, Carthage could call on some 100,000 professional soldiers in time of war.

Adoption of Judaism
Following Hannibal's death in 198 BC, a group of Carthaginians, known as the "Reformists of Carthage" began to open up to outside ideas. The "Reformists of Carthage" made the nation more attractive to foreign merchants and bankers, many of which were Jewish. In 177 BC, a Jewish male, David, began an active presence in the Rebublic's politics, encouraging them to abandon Paganism and adopt Judaism. He attracted a large following, by making correct predictions, such as the Supreme Military Commander's death, somehow winning the loyalty of 5% of the population. The Carthaginian hardliners assassinated him, but that caused outrage and sympathy for his cause. More Carthaginian Jews entered politics, and by 155 BC Carthage was 27% Jewish. The numbers continued to grow, and their power continued to grow, until much of the Oligarchy practiced Judaism by 135 BC. By the end of the century, Carthage was known as a Jewish power, and spread Judaism evangelically by using it's military might.