Carthage in Flames

During the siege of Oroscopa, Hiram is wounded in battle. Fulvia, a young Roman woman, finds him and tends to his injuries, risking her safety. As he heals, a deep bond grows and Fulvia falls in love with the Carthaginian leader.

Massinissa's orders and the Carthaginian council decree Hiram's exile from Carthage after the battle. The political move isolates him and sets the stage for a secret return to secure Ophir. The exile underscores the city's fragility amid Roman threat.

Fulvia travels to Carthage in search of Hiram, hoping to reunite with him. She is captured by Phegor, commander of the sacred guards, placing her in grave danger. Her presence intensifies the conflict within Carthage.

The crowd in Carthage plans to sacrifice Fulvia in the temple of Moloch as a symbolic punishment for Rome. Hiram breaks in to save Fulvia, but while trying to free Ophir as well, he is captured by Phegor. The rescue attempt deepens his peril inside the city.

With help from Sidone and Astarito, Hiram escapes from prison. He then intervenes to prevent Ophir's arranged marriage to Tsour, ensuring the lovers can pursue their bond. The escape reopens possibilities for alliance against their enemies.

Tsour comes to understand the depth of Ophir's love for Hiram and chooses not to oppose their union. He shifts from rival to ally, helping advance their cause. This change weakens Carthage’s internal resistance to their alliance.

Hiram renews his friendship with Thala, the leader of the mercenaries, rekindling an important alliance. Together, they mobilize troops and resources that could challenge the Romans. The renewal of this bond signals a broader resistance against the foreign threat.

The Carthaginian Council fractures over how to confront Rome. Phegor delays action hoping to gain power, while Hermon advocates a direct battle line to defend the city. The disagreement leaves Carthage vulnerable to Roman moves.

Hiram, Tsour, Thala, and Asdrubale fight alongside each other against Scipione l'Emiliano and Numidian forces led by Gollussa. Despite their efforts, the Romans prevail and Birsa falls to their advance. The defeat weakens Carthage’s defense and shifts the war's momentum.

Fulvia yields to Phegor to obtain a ship for the escape. Sidone, Astarito, and Ophir retrieve Hiram from the battlefield, and they slip away to the open sea as Carthage is set ablaze. The city burns as the defenders scramble for a last escape.

Phegor's plans collapse as Roman aid never arrives and his house burns. On the balcony, Fulvia sacrifices her life for Hiram, dying in his arms as an act of love. The event removes a major threats from Carthage and seals Fulvia's devotion.

Hiram, Ophir, and the remaining crew sail away from Carthage, watching the city burn on the horizon. The voyage marks a new, uncertain future for the lovers bound by duty and love. The fires of Carthage fade as they head into the open sea.