Conquering Italy is the next objective because eliminating the Roman factions removes Carthage's largest nearby technological rival. Egypt is the stronger future opponent, so expansion must also generate the money needed for that later contest. The plan secures Rome and Capua with roughly one and a half armies, freeing another army to advance while the southern base remains defensible. Although this is a game scenario rather than a reconstruction of Carthaginian policy, it illustrates consolidation, economic preparation, force allocation, and the value of attacking an enemy's weaker approach.
Notable Point · 3:15:40-3:19:25
Secure Italy, remove Rome, then turn east
The closing campaign plan links territorial consolidation, technological rivalry, revenue, defensive economy, and attacking an opponent along its weaker axis.