Carthage (Vae victis!)

Carthage was a monarchy in Libya that existed between 814 BC and 1167 AD. During this time, it was a major trading hub and military power. It was highly influential across Europe and Ethiopia. At several times during its existence it had a near monopoly on trade in the Mediterranean, and massive political control over its neighbors. Eventually it would fall during the revolts of 1167, and be reestablished as a republic.

The Mediterranean War
After Safinei sailors had ignored the trade tax set by Carthage and Safineim had declared war on them, Carthage was thrown into one of its first major conflicts. Quickly they were able to take advantage of their vastly superior navy to corner the safinei in a series of concentrated battles. Winning all of these sea battles resulted in Carthegian dominance over the sea, as well as destruction of the safinei navy. With the seas controlled by them, Carthage began massing troops on Sicly, ready to invade southern Italy. This put Safineim into a state of panic as they scrambled to set up a defense.

Using their enemy's panic to their advantage, Carthage start a madsive attack. Quickly, they established a foothold, at whitch point they were held back by the desperate remains of the Safinei army. This put the war at a near stalemate, with Carthage making only limited gains. Eventually however, a blockade of Safinei ports and a massive assault by Carthage forced Safineim to surrender. The terms were surprisingly lenient, as Safneim was aloud to continue trade, though under much stricter rules. This put Carthage in the position of a major Mediterranean for the next several hundred years.

Colinizing Iberia
In order to further expand their trade and influence, Carthage decided to colinzie Iberia. Ports grew much larger, and inland expansion began as well. The new ports provided much easier access to Italian Trade, and new trading routes help Carthage increase their influence in Gaul. As the Colonies grew, they began to go further inland, making a further diversified economy. However, when the population began to become more significant, they began to demand increasingly many rights and privleges. After a summer of what amounted to rioting, these privleges where given, and the former realtionship was restored. Citizens in Carthage Iberia became cotizens of Carthage by default, and thus control was solidified over the region.