The game's undefended Carthaginian settlements do not resemble the historical picture of Carthage. The slogan that attack is the best defense fails when a large state sends every field force in one direction and leaves valuable cities exposed. A sword-and-shield balance supplies enough offensive force to hurt the enemy and enough protection to prevent bypasses and raids. The comparison connects Rome's struggle against Hannibal with the eventual emergence of Scipio as an effective offensive answer.
Chapter · 27:22-30:03
Why Carthage needs both a sword and a shield
Campaign planning becomes a wider lesson about defending a dispersed state while still creating enough offensive power to defeat Rome.