With the Greek Cities no longer bothering us, and rebels pushed aside on Sicily, my obvious next move was to attack Carthage. Surely a victory would raise our standing in Rome, which I have been informed is not good. We need triumphs!

Herenius Valerius, our adopted colleague, led the assault on the city of the Punes. A small relief force attempted an ambush upon him, led by none other than Hasdrubal himself, who I understand swore not to retreat from the field of battle until we were defeated. With him was Bisaltes, a man driven by inner demons, and another worthy foe.

I had expected an epic battle. We were, after all, threatened by superior forces. To my relief the gods favoured the Scipiones, and the battle was won without fuss. Carthage was ours! A great victory! As if that pleased the Senate... Yes, yes, yes, very good, now go and blockade Thrapsus, they said. A triumph? For that scuffle at Carthage? Pah. The ungrateful senators demanded more for the reward I sought.

Old Cornelius died. He was our family patriarch, and we wish him well on the crossing of the river to the afterlife. He never could tolerate journeys by water. In his place is Julianus, who lacks the gravitas of our former patriarch but is perhaps a better politician.

We failed at Thrapsus. The carthaginian navy reopened the harbour as I prepared for the next senatorial decree. Caralis, a city in Sardina, must be conquered. As I embarked troops in North Africa those left behind were ambushed by the sneaky Bisaltes. Defeat... Utter defeat... And now Carthage demands the return of Liliybaeum.

By 256BC Caralis was ours, and diplomacy has secured an alliance with Numidia, for which the Senate gave their approval. Nope. No triumph. Not yet...