"Carthaginians? I never worried about the Carthaginians, they were good merchants, but their armies always routed quickly. Because most of them are mercenaries. Oonos said confidently in front of the map. This is still the military map room that Antigone loved to visit, but now the border marked as the Kingdom of Macedonia has expanded considerably. Oonos studied the sand table map alone and could see the gods, and spoke to himself as he spoke.

Carthaginian merchants invaded the Macedonian kingdom with their own goods, taking the market for Roman and Sicilian handicraft products at low prices. The Carthaginian navy also began to operate frequently around Sicily. It is also sometimes found in the Adriatic Sea, which is currently the only internal link between Macedonia and Rome. Carthage was nothing more than a neutral country, and even though everyone was a new Western power that grew up in the same period of mutual benefit, it was always a neutral relationship.

The actions of the Carthaginians were already of concern to the Macedonians. In addition to this, Carthage began to trade with Egypt on a large scale, which alarmed Oonos. Macedonia is undoubtedly on the opposite side of Egypt and is further reducing its total trade with the Egyptians. At this moment, opening the door to trade with Pharaoh, Carthage is also helping Egypt.

Oonus Antigonus estimated: "These shrewd businessmen go wherever they have money, and whoever makes money does not earn that." I believe that their big dealings with the East are for money, and political factors are not the main consideration. Moreover, they have no reason to make a bad deal with Macedonia at the moment, and Spain has enough to toss it about. ”

Obviously, the Prince of Macedonia was friendly and tolerant towards this business partner, and even if the Carthaginians were so greedy that they made a small gesture to stretch their hands too long.

"Macedonia also needed to trade with the Neo-Phoenicians, which was beneficial for both sides. The contribution of such trade between major powers to their respective economies and finances is by no means insignificant. ”

Antigonus stood up and walked back and forth, looking down at the map again. The old king attacked Athens because Thessaly and Peloponnese were separated by the region of Attica, and there was only water access. Today, Macedonia and Rome are part of the Kingdom of Macedonia, but there is only a sea route in between. The overland route was cut off by Julius Rome and Gaul, although the distance by land was a bit far, for example, from Thessaloniki to Rome, and the nearest route was a zigzag, passing through Thessaly, Epirus, Dalmatia, Illyria, Veneto, and Etruria.

Although the land route is long, it is safe and secure, unaffected by the weather and waves, and is definitely the most conventional and effective way of communication and transportation. Another point is that the security of the land is further ensured by connecting the land by land. As the Macedonian kingdom was firmly established in Rome, Rome itself was extremely prosperous and wealthy. The exchanges between the two places on various matters have become more and more frequent, and it is obvious that shipping alone can no longer be satisfied.

If Macedonia does not take the initiative now, let's assume a war with Carthage. There is no land access, and sea transportation is subject to a lot of restrictions. The key problem is that New Phoenicia is a notoriously naval power. If the defenders in Rome were not supported by supplies and troops from the mainland, then Latin Rome would have the Italian Julius family in the north and Carthage in the south, and Latin Rome would be in danger!

Oonos suddenly warned that the partnership with Carthage could be severed at any time, not because I was unkind but because he was unjust.

In the current situation in the civilized world, four great powers have been formed to compete for the crown. In the East, Pontus was at war with Egypt, and in the West, Macedonia was at peace with Carthage. So don't put too much faith in the friendship of these neo-Phoenicians, it's not reliable. We have to find a way to open up land roads.

Oonos didn't want to step on the war horse again, lead the elite soldiers to be invincible, and lead his old subordinates to fight and kill the enemy. It is a great honor for a general to die in the service of his kingdom. However, his royal brother, the noble king of Macedonia, repeatedly stressed that it was not allowed to use force lightly.

Even the Prince of Macedonia had to obey the king's arrangement, and he was silently waiting for his chance. Of course, Oonos did not lose his drunkenness and greed, and he quickened the pace of preparation for war. After listening to Aloyos's advice, he always attached great importance to the growth of the navy, and often urged his third brother Damasus to continuously develop the size of the major fleets and recruit more excellent sailors and engineers.

In court life lately, the most satisfying of the prince is Podarre Ríos. The Minister of War and Aircraft has many flexible strategies, and from time to time he has obtained the permission of Gallas. But he couldn't escape the bright eyes of this seventeen-year-old beautiful boy. Podare Rios doesn't say anything, but likes to get to the point when chatting privately. It is clear that he supports the Minister of War and understands his good intentions.

Oonnos was very moved, and more than that. He also saw his father's figure in this young man. It's not the tiger general of Aloyous, but the kingly demeanor of Antigones. His eyes contain benevolence and serenity, and when he looks at people, he reveals a breathtaking majesty and self-esteem. The big bright eyes are not charming but flowers, but only deep wisdom.

Perhaps what Antigone thought, what Oonos and Aloyos dreamed of, can really be realized in Podarérios.

The prince was very fond of this nephew, and perhaps had expectations for him. His gift to the young heir of this family is to pass on to him the essence of life and military and political strategies that he has summarized over the years.

The soldier dies for the confidant, and the woman is the one who pleases herself.

Oonos had such a good old friend, which really helped him relieve his melancholy for many days. The two of them always talked late at night, and they held candles and waxed all morning. What can't you say to your confidant?

The general did not work in vain and did not wait in vain. Podare Rios made rapid progress in military thought, and he himself was highly accomplished.

On the other hand, the Gauls lit the fuse for the outbreak of war with their own hands. On the border between Epirus and Dalmatia, a Macedonian general, Lesimaga, was captured and brutally murdered by the Gauls. And this young general is not an ordinary person, he is the son-in-law of Oonos Antigonus. He was originally a subordinate of Ducarros and was sent to Budapest to deliver important information to Abrias. He died in the line of duty at the age of seventeen, and was an excellent general.