Cartel

The Cartel began as a trade alliance viewed by some as an effort to cripple the enemies of the Cartel financially. To a small degree it was successful in crippling its enemies. For the most part the enemies did not suffer as badly as first thought. The truth of it was, the Cartel was a gamble by Kratesipolis of Corinth. It was her aim to use trade to enrich the Hellenic states and colonies, and thus far, this seems to be paying off.

The Cartel first held such nations as the Hellenic League, Egyptian Empire, Taras, Syracuse and Carthage. But as time past other nations were added, through the Olympics The Antigonid Empire was added, and most likely Macedonia will be added with the marriage between Leonida and Cassander. The Antigonid agreement, however, grates with the King, Demetrius. He sees it as a necessary evil - his honour demands that he rail against it, the needs of his people demand that he is part of it.

However, the axis of the cartel remains Corinth, Syracuse, Taras and Athens. These are the Hellenic naval powers. Carthage, Egypt and the other members of the Cartel trade unmolested - in other words, it is a good financial agreement for all concerned, though no official alliance exist. However, due to the tides of war the "agreements" seems to have begin to wane over the years. Though it has not yet officially disbanded, trade still continues.