ancient greece mediterranean ruler

Chapter 1020 The arrow is on the string
It wasn't until a Carthaginian ship was no longer visible on the sea that the warships of the Sicilian fleet stopped this extremely energy-consuming rampage and began to rescue the Dionian crew members who had fallen into the water and placed them where they were captured by the fleet infantry. On the Carthaginian warships . . .

During the whole process, the people of Carthage on the shore went from being excited at first, to panic, to choking, and finally to silence when the beach was crowded with thousands of people...

They had heard about the disastrous defeat of the army in Sicily and that Carthage's allies were attacked and destroyed... Although it worried them, it was not as good as today to witness the Dionian navy defeat their fleet in the sea area where they depended on for survival. The power of the enemy makes every one of them shudder...

It was not only the people of Carthage who suffered a major blow, but also the senators watching the battle on the breakwater wall. Because they stood closer, saw more clearly, and thought more, the impact was even stronger.

Fortunately, they are all Carthaginian noble elites who have been tempered in the political arena for many years. After a period of silence, Hanno first let out a long sigh and said with a heavy expression: "We should start a truce with Dionia immediately. Negotiations, in order to achieve peace as soon as possible, regarding the conditions proposed by Dionia... I think we still need to make some appropriate concessions."

This time, Hanno's proposal was immediately responded by many elders: "Lord Hanno is right! Now that our navy is finished and our army is trapped in Sicily, for the safety of Carthage, even if we pay some price, we will The war with the Dionians must be terminated as soon as possible!"

"Pay some price?! I'm afraid if the people know it, they will never agree, and they will come to the Senate to protest!"

"You are too high to see those lowly people. I believe that after watching today's naval battle, they will definitely demand to stop this war more urgently than us!"

……

Amidst the echoes of the elders, the Magonid faction headed by Pretacuba remained silent. After all, the failure of this naval battle made them deeply aware that the army led by Margo in Sicily would surely fall into In a greater dilemma, negotiation is the only way to help them escape danger.

At this time, Taipanlaco was not ready to let them go. He said sadly: "My lords, today we have all witnessed the defeat of the navy. It can be said that this war... we Carthage... are complete. Failed... In order to negotiate peace, we will pay a heavy price! Should we reflect on this? Half a year ago, Lord Hanno, Lord Okriton... and many other senators emphasized many times that 'Dio Nia has a strong military and launching a war would be detrimental to Carthage. We hope to try our best to maintain peace! 'Why do some people insist on going to war, resulting in such a bad situation today! Shouldn't we hold them accountable?!"

As soon as these words came out, everyone was shocked and subconsciously looked at Preeta Kuba.

"The declaration of war on Dionia is a unanimous resolution passed by the Senate." Preta Kuba replied coldly.

"If you hadn't frequently incited the people to put pressure on the Senate, that resolution would have been impossible to pass, and... the Dionia merchant ship's robbery and sale of Iberian silver mines is also very suspicious. A detailed investigation into this matter must not allow some people to escape punishment for their own interests and crimes that harm the interests of the city-state, and let those of us who truly love Carthage suffer the anger of the people innocently!"

Tepanlaco's words reminded the surrounding senators and made their eyes light up: the failure of this war and the heavy price that may be paid afterwards will inevitably arouse the anger of the Carthage people. The Senate really needs a scapegoat to bear this huge burden. Mago, who actively launched this war, is undoubtedly the best target. What's more, the Magonid family, whose strength and prestige were severely damaged during the war, also made them less awe-inspiring.

As a result, many senators expressed their agreement one after another, hoping that the Senate would conduct a detailed investigation into the matter of "inciting the people to launch a war against Dionia and the theft of Iberian silver mines by Dionia merchant ships". If there is really something behind it Conspiracy should be severely punished.

When more and more elders were agreeing to Taipanlako's proposal, Pretakuba saw Hanno's cold gaze, and he suddenly understood: Since the outbreak of the war, this Magoni The biggest enemy of the De family did not give Mr. Mago much hindrance, but he was waiting for this most critical moment to stab him with the most vicious blow.

He was a little panicked and defended loudly: "Have you forgotten! The reason why Carthage launched the war was because Dionia declared war on Rome, and Rome is our ally, and we must fulfill the covenant! Master Aisharuba, don’t you think that’s the case?!”

Facing the help-seeking gaze cast by Pretakuba, the gray-haired leader of the neutral faction coughed a few times, turned his head to look at the others, and said, "Everyone, we should immediately send someone to rescue the crew who fell into the water. Repair the damaged warships, bury the warriors who died in battle, and appease the people who lost their loved ones... Also discuss what concessions may be made in the truce negotiations with Dionia, and send negotiating envoys... There are so many Things need to be completed immediately... Uh... the things you just talked about can be discussed after these things are completed..."

Pretakuba's heart sank to the bottom, and although Esyaruba spoke perfunctorily, he could hear his support for Taipanlako's proposal.

Hanno stroked his beard with his hand, and a mocking smile appeared on his face.

As the sun sets and night falls, there are still countless ships on the sea near Carthage, and the shouts and cries resound throughout this once largest city-state in the Western Mediterranean, lasting...

In this naval battle, about 180 warships on the Carthaginian side and 390 warships on the two Dionian fleets, for a total of 570 warships, participated in the battle.After a fierce battle for most of the day, the Carthaginian fleet lost 135 warships, and its naval commander died in the battle. The Dionian third fleet also lost 76 warships, and its flagship was also sunk. Midorades rescued him from the sea. It was so cold that I was shivering when I woke up. In the history of previous naval battles in the Mediterranean, it was unprecedented for both sides to have such a high battle loss rate.

However, the Dionian Third Fleet paid a heavy price of more than half of the casualties in exchange for the near destruction of the Carthage fleet. It was difficult to recover in a short period of time, let alone pose a threat to the Dionian Navy. This made Dionian The Nian Navy can sail confidently and boldly in the waters of Africa, and can directly oppress and blockade the city of Carthage. This is a major strategic victory.

Therefore, after receiving the news of this naval battle, Davos was very excited. He publicly commended the two fleets for their seamless unity and cooperation, their fearlessness of sacrifice, and winning this important victory for the kingdom. He called on the entire army to come to them. He studied and promised that all sailors who participated in the war would be credited with great merit. At the same time, he would urge the Ministry of Military Affairs to replace the battle-damaged ships of the Third Fleet as soon as possible to complete its establishment.

Two days later, Occleton, the Carthaginian negotiator, rushed to Minoa, hoping to restart peace talks.

Davos readily agreed in person, but secretly instructed Henipolis to delay the negotiations as much as possible.

After learning that King Dionia still welcomed the peace talks, the Carthage Senate immediately passed a resolution and sent envoys to the Carthage camp in Selinus to notify Mago to suspend the peace talks. Selinus' attack to ensure smooth peace talks.

Unexpectedly, Mago got more news. Preta Kuba had already sent someone to remind him that in the past few days, the people of Carthage City had not only vigorously called for an end to the war and the restoration of peace, but they had also criticized Dionysus for provoking the war in the first place. The war in Asia expressed extreme dissatisfaction; the Senate also had an undercurrent, saying that it was responding to the people's demands and was preparing to launch an investigation into a series of events that occurred before the war, and its target was obviously aimed at the people led by Mago. The Magonides family.

After getting the news, Margo realized the danger. After discussing with the generals of his family, he made a decision: he would never obey the resolution of the Senate, stop the rectification of the Numibians in the camp, and start to attack the Serbians again. Linus City attacks.

He decided to use a victory to restore the prestige of the Magonides in Carthage.

After Davos got the news that "Mago led the army to restart the attack on Selinus City", he learned the general reason through other channels, and immediately asked Henepolis to question Okriton: Since Cargo Taichi is already conducting truce negotiations with Dionia, why is it still ordering the Sicilian army to attack Selinus!Dionia doubted its sincerity in the negotiations and decided to suspend the negotiations until the Carthaginian army in Sicily truly eliminated its hostility to Dionia.

Okriton wanted to refute Henepolis: While Dionia was negotiating, it still allowed the fleet to continue cruising in the waters of Sicily, and even went deep into the waters of Carthage, posing a great threat to the entry and exit of port ships. !

However, the current war situation is extremely unfavorable to Carthage. Occleton shoulders a heavy responsibility and urgently needs to reach an agreement as soon as possible to maintain the security of Carthage. Therefore, he did not dare to say such harsh words, but sincerely guaranteed: The attack on Selinus was by no means ordered by the Senate. It must have been done by Mago privately. He would rush to Selinus immediately to stop Mago's hostilities, and the Senate would also punish Mago. , I hope that negotiations can continue after this matter is dealt with.

Henipolis, who received Davos' instructions, certainly welcomed this.

Regardless of Occreton's vows in Minoa, in fact he had no confidence that he could persuade the distinguished and stubborn patriarch of the Magonides family to stop attacking Selinus.

　Thanks to Sunbathing Fish 321 and book friend 20180104152526270 for their rewards!Your support is my motivation to write! !
　　
　
(End of this chapter)