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THE THIRD PUNIC WAR, AND FALL OF CARTHAGE.
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.