After the hostages had been brought to <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Rome&groupId=935&placeId=1669">Rome</a> the Roman commander landed at the Cape of Utica.
Upon this news reaching <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Carthage&groupId=441&placeId=820">Carthage</a> the whole city was in great excitement and terror, owing to the uncertainty that prevailed as to what they were to expect.
They decided, however, to send envoys to the consuls to ask them what they must do and inform them that all were disposed to obey any command.
Upon their arrival at the Roman camp a council was called and the envoys spoke according to their instructions.
The elder of the two consuls, after commending their decision and their compliant temper, ordered them to surrender all their arms and missiles without fraud or deceit.
The envoys said they would comply with the order, but begged the Romans to consider what would happen to them if they gave up all their arms and the Romans took them and sailed away with them. Nevertheless they gave them up.
It was evident that power of the city was very great, for they gave up to the Romans more than two hundred thousand suits of mail and two thousand catapults.
Walbank Commentary