A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

15. One of the five ambassadors sent by the Carthaginians to Rome at the beginning of the third Punic war, B. C. 149. They were furnished with full powers to act as they deemed best, in order to avert the impending danger; and finding, on their arrival at Rome, that the senate had already passed a decree for war, and would no longer enter into negotiation, they determined on offering unqualified submission. This declaration was favourably received, but 300 hostages were required, as a proof of the sincerity of their countrymen, and, with this demand, the ambassadors returned to Carthage. (Plb. 36.1, 2.)