In 386 BC the Persian empire
is still, despite itīs defeat in Hellas, the most
feared
power in the Eastern Mediterranean. But it has
to fight many internal problems,
more and more disorders and revolts, and so the
Egyptians are able to free their
country from the Persians.
The hegemonial power in Hellas
is Sparta, and also Athen is getting stronger
again
and tries to reestablish itīs naval power, but
the golden age of the free Poleis is over,
as in Northern Greece a new opponent appears:
Macedonia.
In the western Mediterranean
Carthage expands its trade empire and comes
more and more into conflict with the Greek cities
of Sicily, especially Syracuse.
For contrast Rome has just
been plundered by the Gauls, its sphere of influence
still ends shorlty beyond its own city walls.
So the Romans set out to conquer Italy...