At the conclusion of the First Punic War the Carthaginians lost territory, gold, and several armies. They crucified their own generals in anger. A city once wealthy from trade city, Carthage now had no money to pay their mercenaries. These mercenaries revolted, starting another brutal conflict that nearly saw Carthage destroyed. Only with the leadership of the general Hamilcar Barca did Carthage manage to defeat their former mercenaries. While they were busy fighting their former soldiers, Rome took advantage of Carthage’s distraction to take the island of Sardinian from them. Twenty-three years later, Hamilcar’s son is ready to seek revenge against Rome. Hannibal Barca plans to invade Italy with 102,000 men and 37 elephants. This war will determine which power will rule the western Mediterranean.