The second faction announced for Rome II: Total War is none other than Rome’s great rival, Carthage.

“Carthage is an expansionist trading state with a small indigenous population. As such, the bulk of its armies consist of mercenary units,” according to the Rome 2 news post. “Carthage benefits from its mastery of the waves and its heritage as a great trading nation. As a democracy, it also enjoys an improved level of population happiness.”

Now for a quick history lesson.

Carthage, as many of you (should) know, was the great rival of the Roman Republic that, known as the “Jewel of the Mediterranean”, held much of North Africa, Spain, and Sicily at the height of its power. Home of great generals like Hannibal, Himilco and Hamilcar Barca, it fought three wars against Rome and its legions. However, while being an economic powerhouse and fortunate with the remarkable service of Hannibal during the second Punic war, it ended up losing all three. Each significantly weakened the empire until its total destruction by Roman hands with the sacking of Carthage at the end of the Third Punic War.

You can play as Carthage and other classical empires, city-states, factions, as well as Rome herself in the upcoming Rome II: Total War due out October 2013.