It was. Apparently I was only supposed to scout, but I started a takeover on my own. Council wasn't too pleased but it's not like they're really out anything by it.
What I love about Barca's expansion is that they are stealing my peasants (less mouths to feed while still maintaining enough pop for 100% production) while increasing their food output (which I am eager to start collecting).
Quite happy with how this is turning out indeed.