Help Managing Carthage

[Hasturbal]

Hi all, im new here and I was wondering....

What do you all think the best way to manage Carthage, (im useing RTR). I always seem to run into alot of financial troubles, as well as constant rebels for no apparent reason. Im a big fan of a historicaly accurate Carthage, and dont really want to conquer Numidia, but just make them protectraits, mainly cause I just dont like how it shapes out. Anyway, whats some advice? I would appreciate it, thanks!

[Ravenfeeder]

First build lots of farms as you have serious population growth problems.
Second, if you're going to leave Numidia until they backstab you (and they will), make sure you have an army at home. Increase its experience by killing all those rebel stacks. Maybe use it to attack Icosium as well.
Third concentrate the rest of your efforts on Sicily. It's rich and you want to get it all before it all kicks off with the Romans.

Iberia is a sideshow. A couple of half stacks of second rate troops will ensure the Iberians don't backstab you and can easily take Arse for a little expansion.

[Sarkiss]

1. secure all African shore. quickly capture all naval settlements not leaving the chance to Numidians to get an access to the sea.
this is very important since it will generate good naval trade income and isolate the latters.
2. concentrate on Iberia. that's where the mines and thus wealth is.
i always play "historically" and leave Sicily to Rome so they can get stronger and become a good challenge in the later game.
Numidians should be isolated in the desert. in this case even when they try to attack you they wont be strong enough for a prolonged war. blietzkrig there and make them either your protectorate or weak enemy if they are pleased. i never destroy them completely. too much trouble managing all those insignificant towns down in the desert...
3. get an allience with all enemies of Rome. support them financially (Gauls in particular). Iberians wont try anything if your presence there is strong enough.

[Hasturbal]

Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it. I do usualy at least let the Romans get Massila for a good chalange, I dont mind fighting them as there the best challenge out there around the Western Mediteranian. Agin, Thxs for the advice.

[JoeyJubb]

Rofl, Arse is such a stupid name. Lol.

[Hasturbal]

Oh yea, I had aanother quick question. What do you all suggest I do with the settelments I conquer? do you usualy occupy, inslave or exterminate?

[Ravenfeeder]

Nearly always enslave. Especially as Carthage where I want that population back in N. Africa where the majority of my govenors are. More generally I want the population transferred to where I'm producing troops, which is not on the freshly conquered frontier, but at the heart of empire where the govenors are. However I want the city to be able to contribute within 15 turns or so, so I don't exterminate (unless I'm planning to abandon the city straight away.