33.49
The
Roman delegates informed the council of Carthage that the senate had
definitely ascertained that it was mainly at Hannibal's instigation that Philip
had made war on Rome, and now letters and messengers were being
despatched to Antiochus and the Aetolians, and plans had been formed for
driving Carthage into revolt. It was to Antiochus that he had gone, and
nowhere else, and he would never rest until he had stirred up war throughout
the whole world. If the Carthaginians wanted to satisfy the Roman people
that none of his proceedings was in accordance with their wishes or
sanctioned by their government, they must see that he did not go
unpunished. The Carthaginians replied that they would do whatever the
Romans thought right. After a fair voyage Hannibal reached Tyre, and the
founders of Carthage welcomed as from a second fatherland the man who
had achieved every possible distinction. After a short stay here he continued
his voyage to Antiochia. Here he heard that the king had left for Asia, and he
had an interview with his son, who was at the time celebrating the Games at
Daphne, and who gave him a most friendly welcome. Anxious to lose no
time he at once resumed his voyage and found the king at Ephesus, still
unable to make up his mind on the question of war with Rome. Hannibal's
arrival was not the least important factor in bringing him to a decision. The
Aetolians, too, were now growing averse from their alliance with Rome.
They had sent a mission to Rome to demand the restitution of Pharsalus,
Leucas and certain other cities under the terms of the former treaty, and the
senate referred them to Quinctius.
End of Book 33