The Scipii are the first Roman faction targeted because their navy is rated as the more dangerous maritime opponent. Capturing their capital therefore reduces a naval threat as well as expanding Carthaginian territory. Holding both ends of the relevant trade route is economically useful, and adding a port would increase the value of the position. The scenario is fictional, but it clearly links naval prioritization, port access, territorial control, and campaign finance.
Notable Point · 1:31:25-1:32:03
Naval rivals, ports, and control of a trade route
The campaign targets the stronger Roman naval faction first, then values control of both ends of a trade route and access to another port.