Fifty years had passed since Zama. It was a period of great commercial
prosperity for Carthage, but her government was weakened by the
quarrels of conflicting factions.

MASINISSA, King of Numidia, an ally of the Romans, was a continual
source of annoyance to Carthage. He made inroads upon her territory,
and, as she was bound by her treaty not to war upon any allies of
Rome, her only recourse was to complain to the Senate. In 157 an
embassy was sent to inquire into the troubles. MARCUS PORCIUS CATO,
the chief of the embassy, was especially alarmed at the prosperity of
the city, and from that time never ceased to urge its destruction. The
embassy did not reach any decision, but allowed matters to go on as
they might. Finally, when some sympathizers with Masinissa were
banished from the city, he attacked and defeated the Carthaginians,
compelled their army to pass under the yoke, and afterwards
treacherously destroyed it (150). Carthage was compelled to give up
some of her territory, and pay $5,000,000 indemnity.

After this victory, matters came to a crisis. The city must be
disciplined for warring with an ally of Rome. Cato never failed to
close any speech he might make in the Senate with the same cruel
words, _Delenda est Carthago_, "Carthage must be destroyed." The
people of Carthage were called to account. Desponding and broken-
hearted, they sent ambassadors to Rome. The answer given them was
obscure. They were requested to make reparation to Rome, and at the
same time they were assured that nothing should be undertaken against
Carthage herself. But in 149 the Consuls crossed with a large army
into Sicily, where the troops were organized, and Carthaginian
ambassadors were expected.