Carthage is very spread at the beginning. Although I am no big fan of surrendering anything, I found out that holding Sardinia (Caralis) against the Iulii is very hard and not really worth the effort. You can always come back later...
Still, giving up Corduba is more I can bear. For one, it is making quite good money, and then it is such a nice stepping stone to the conquest of Hispania. In my campaign, I found the Gauls more of a threat than the Iberians, though. Be prepared to create a massive garrison here.
Sicily: Attack! Never in the game will the Romans be as weak as they are now. Best ally with the Greeks (though they are damn sneaky little gits, no offense meant). It is no good to fight two opponents here this early in the game. Take all the troops you can get, conquer Messana and cross to Italy as soon as possible. Either conquer Kroton and Tarentum, effectively crippling the Brutii, or go for Capua, knocking the Brutii out of the game.
The latter choice is more dangerous as it places your army in a position where it can be attacked by the Senate, the Brutii and the Scipii, sometimes even the Iulii come wandering down from up north.
But remember: Speed is of the essence!
The Numidians can be a royal pain in the a***, but I regard them as a minor theatre of war. Slowly conquering Cirta, Tingis and (neutral) Leptis Magna will strangle them into submission. Their other settlements are hardly worth the effort at this stage.
After a phase of consolidation, you are free to conquer the whole of Italy (recommended) or Spain and prepare for the inevitable clash with allmighty Egypt.
"I see no difference between war and terrorism. Terrorism is the war of the poor, and war is the terrorism of the rich."
Sir Peter Ustinov
[This message has been edited by Primus Pilus (edited 07-05-2005 @ 06:03 AM).]