rtunity came through the action of Masinissa.
This chieftain, knowing the restrictions imposed upon Carthage by her
treaty with Rome, and sensing the change in the Roman attitude towards
that city after 167 B. C., revived old claims to Carthaginian territory.
Carthage could only appeal to Rome for protection, but in 161 and 157 the
Roman commissions sent to adjust the disputes decided in favor of
Masinissa. A member of the commission of 157 was the old Marcus Porcius
Cato, who was still obsessed with the fear which Carthage had inspired in
his youth, and who returned from his mission filled with alarm at the
wealth of the city and henceforth devoted all his energies to accomplish
its overthrow. In the following years he concluded all his speeches in the
Senate with the words, "Carthage must be destroyed."

*The Roman ultimatum: 149 B. C.* A fresh attack by Masinissa occurred in
151 B. C. Enraged, the Carthaginians took the field against him, but
suffered defeat. The Romans at once prepared for war. Conscious of having
overstepped their rights and fearful of Roman vengeance, the Carthaginians
offered unconditional submission in the hope of obtaining pardon. The
Senate assured them of their lives, property and constitution, but
required hostages and bade them execute the commands of the consuls who
crossed over to Africa with an army and ordered the Carthaginians to
surrender their arms and engines of war. The Carthaginians, desirous of
appeasing the Romans at all costs, complied. Then came the ultimatum. They
must abandon their city and settle at least ten miles from the sea coast.
This was practically a death sentence to the ancient mercantile city.
Seized with the fury of despair the Carthaginians improvised weapons and,
manning their walls, bade defiance to the Romans.

*The siege of Carthage: 149-146 B. C.* For two years the Romans, owing to
the incapacity of their commanders, accomplished little. Then
disappointment and apprehension led the Roman people to demand as consul
Scipio Aemilianus, who had already distinguished himself as a military
tribune. He was only a candidate for the aedileship and legally ineligible
for the consulate. But the restrictions upon his candidature were
suspended, and he was elected consul for 147 B. C. A special law entrusted
him with the conduct of the war in Africa. He restored discipline in the
Roman army, defeated the Carthaginians in the field and energetically
pressed the siege of