With the Roman fleet at the bottom of the Mediterranean and Hannibal's mercenary army marauding down the east coast of Italy, Rome is up against it. When the entire Roman army is butchered at the battle of Cannae and Hannibal's brother lands another army in the Bay of Naples, Rome is given a choice. Surrender or be sacked.
It is 216 BC and the last challenger against Carthage's reign is on her knees.