- Historia Romae by Scotarius Livius Antoninus -

The days of Tarquinius Superbus have long since past, and the city-state of Rome prospers under the guidance of its Patres Conscripti. The sons of Cincinnatus have endured many hardships and stand supreme over central Italy, but dark clouds threaten to gather on the horizon. As Rome grows in power, she will begin to challenge her neighbors, and they her. Lest they become soft and fail to achieve their destiny, the citizens of the Republic must remain ever vigilant.

As is commonly the case when one people gains prominence in an area, they are certain to encroach upon others. Thus was the case for the young Roman Republic. The Illyrians to the east and the Carthagian traders of northern Africa, were the first to experience the growing strength of Rome.

The Illyrians were first to test Rome, and they were even able to kill the leader of the Roman forces the Consul Aelius, but they were unable to get the upper hand in the war. Likewise, the powerful Carthage was unable to make headway against the genius of Publius Cornelius Scipio. Both nations were forced to give ground to Rome.

While the Illyrians and Carthaginians had been subdued, they were not defeated. Illyria was still in control of it's own territory, and there was word of a young upstart within Carthage who sought vengeance for the shame brought upon his country. There were further rumors that Carthage might seek and alliance with the mighty power of Macedon so as to squash the upstart Romans.

Thus, the Roman Republic showed that it was a capable economic and military power, but time would only tell if it was able to gain preeminence within the region.