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Open left menu Carthage. Tunisia

Ancient Carthage was founded in 814 BC. colonists from the Phoenician city of Fez. According to ancient legend, Carthage was founded by Queen Elissa (Dido), who was forced to flee Fez after her brother Pygmalion, the king of Tire, killed her husband Sycheus in order to take possession of his wealth.

Its name in Phoenician “Kart-Hadasht” means “New City”, perhaps in contrast to the more ancient colony of Utica.

According to another legend about the founding of the city, Elissa was allowed to occupy as much land as an ox's hide could cover. She acted quite cunningly - taking possession of a large plot of land, cutting the skin into narrow belts. Therefore, the citadel erected at this place began to be called Birsa (which means “skin”).

Carthage was originally a small city, not much different from other Phoenician colonies on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, except for the significant fact that it was not part of the Tyrian state, although it retained spiritual ties with the metropolis.

The city's economy was based primarily on intermediary trade. The craft was little developed and in its basic technical and aesthetic characteristics did not differ from the East. There was no agriculture. The Carthaginians did not have possessions beyond the narrow space of the city itself, and they had to pay tribute to the local population for the land on which the city stood. The political system of Carthage was originally a monarchy, and the head of the state was the founder of the city. With her death, probably the only member of the royal family who was in Carthage disappeared. As a result, a republic was established in Carthage, and power passed to the ten “princeps” who had previously surrounded the queen.

Territorial expansion of Carthage

Terracotta mask. III-II centuries BC. Carthage.

In the first half of the 7th century. BC. A new stage in the history of Carthage begins. It is possible that many new immigrants from the metropolis moved there due to fear of the Assyrian invasion, and this led to the expansion of the city, attested by archeology. This strengthened it and allowed it to move to more active trade - in particular, Carthage replaced Phenicia proper in trade with Etruria. All this leads to significant changes in Carthage, the external expression of which is a change in the forms of ceramics, the revival of old Canaanite traditions already abandoned in the East, the emergence of new, original forms of artistic and craft products.

Already at the beginning of the second stage of its history, Carthage becomes such a significant city that it can begin its own colonization. The first colony was established by the Carthaginians around the middle of the 7th century. BC. on Ebes Island off the east coast of Spain. Apparently, the Carthaginians did not want to oppose the interests of the metropolis in Southern Spain and were looking for workarounds to Spanish silver and tin. However, Carthaginian activity in the area soon ran into competition with the Greeks, who settled at the beginning of the 6th century. BC. in southern Gaul and eastern Spain. The first round of the Carthaginian-Greek wars was left to the Greeks, who, although they did not oust the Carthaginians from Ebes, managed to paralyze this important point.

Failure in the extreme west of the Mediterranean forced the Carthaginians to turn to its center. They founded a number of colonies east and west of their city and subjugated the old Phoenician colonies in Africa. Having strengthened, the Carthaginians could no longer tolerate such a situation that they paid tribute to the Libyans for their own territory. The attempt to free ourselves from tribute is associated with the name of the commander Malchus, who, having won victories in Africa, freed Carthage from tribute.

Somewhat later, in the 60-50s of the 6th century. BC, the same Malchus fought in Sicily, the result of which, apparently, was the subjugation of the Phoenician colonies on the island. And after victories in Sicily, Malchus crossed to Sardinia, but was defeated there. This defeat became for the Carthaginian oligarchs, who were afraid of the too victorious commander, a reason to sentence him to exile. In response, Malchus returned to Carthage and seized power. However, he was soon defeated and executed. Magon took the leading place in the state.

Mago and his successors had to solve difficult problems. To the west of Italy, the Greeks established themselves, threatening the interests of both the Carthaginians and some Etruscan cities. With one of these cities, Caere, Carthage was in particularly close economic and cultural contacts. In the middle of the 5th century. BC. The Carthaginians and Ceretians entered into an alliance directed against the Greeks who settled in Corsica. Around 535 BC At the Battle of Alalia, the Greeks defeated the combined Carthaginian-Ceretian fleet, but suffered such heavy losses that they were forced to leave Corsica. The Battle of Alalia contributed to a clearer distribution of spheres of influence in the center of the Mediterranean. Sardinia was included in the Carthaginian sphere, which was confirmed by the treaty of Carthage with Rome in 509 BC. However, the Carthaginians were never able to completely capture Sardinia. A whole system of fortresses, ramparts and ditches separated their possessions from the territory of the free Sardis.

The Carthaginians, led by rulers and generals from the Magonid family, fought a stubborn struggle on all fronts: in Africa, Spain and Sicily. In Africa, they subjugated all the Phoenician colonies located there, including ancient Utica, which for a long time did not want to become part of their power, waged war with the Greek colony of Cyrene, located between Carthage and Egypt, repulsed the attempt of the Spartan prince Dorieus to establish himself east of Carthage and ousted the Greeks from the emerging there were their cities to the west of the capital. They launched an offensive against the local tribes. In a stubborn struggle, the Magonids managed to subdue them. Part of the conquered territory was directly subordinated to Carthage, forming its agricultural territory - chora. The other part was left to the Libyans, but was subject to the strict control of the Carthaginians, and the Libyans had to pay heavy taxes to their masters and serve in their army. The heavy Carthaginian yoke more than once caused powerful uprisings of the Libyans.

Phoenician ring with comb. Carthage. Gold. VI-V centuries BC.

In Spain at the end of the 6th century. BC. The Carthaginians took advantage of the Tartessian attack on Gades to, under the pretext of protecting their half-blooded city, intervene in the affairs of the Iberian Peninsula. They captured Hades, which did not want to peacefully submit to its “savior,” which was followed by the collapse of the Tartessian state. Carthaginians at the beginning of the 5th century. BC. established control over its remains. However, the attempt to extend it to South-Eastern Spain caused strong resistance from the Greeks. At the naval battle of Artemisium, the Carthaginians were defeated and were forced to abandon their attempt. But the strait at the Pillars of Hercules remained under their control.

At the end of the 6th - beginning of the 5th century. BC. Sicily became the scene of a fierce Carthaginian-Greek battle. Having failed in Africa, Dorieus decided to establish himself in the west of Sicily, but was defeated by the Carthaginians and killed.

His death became the reason for the Syracusan tyrant Gelon to war with Carthage. In 480 BC. The Carthaginians, having entered into an alliance with Xerxes, who was advancing on Balkan Greece at that time, and taking advantage of the difficult political situation in Sicily, where some of the Greek cities opposed Syracuse and entered into an alliance with Carthage, launched an attack on the Greek part of the island. But in the fierce battle of Himera they were completely defeated, and their commander Hamilcar, son of Mago, died. As a result, the Carthaginians had difficulty holding on to the small part of Sicily they had previously captured.

The Magonids made attempts to establish themselves on the Atlantic coasts of Africa and Europe. For this purpose, in the first half of the 5th century. BC. two expeditions were undertaken:

  1. in a southerly direction under the leadership of Hanno,
  2. in the north, led by Gimilkon.

So in the middle of the 5th century. BC. The Carthaginian state was formed, which at that time became the largest and one of the strongest states in the Western Mediterranean. It included -

  • the northern coast of Africa west of Greek Cyrenaica and a number of inland areas of that continent, as well as a small part of the Atlantic coast immediately south of the Pillars of Hercules;
  • the southwestern part of Spain and a significant part of the Balearic Islands off the eastern coast of this country;
  • Sardinia (actually only part of it);
  • Phoenician cities in western Sicily;
  • islands between Sicily and Africa.

The internal situation of the Carthaginian state

Position of the cities, allies and subjects of Carthage

The supreme god of the Carthaginians is Baal Hammon. Terracotta. I century AD Carthage.

This power was a complex phenomenon. Its core consisted of Carthage itself with the territory directly subordinate to it - Chora. Chora was located directly outside the city walls and was divided into separate territorial districts, governed by a special official; each district included several communities.

With the expansion of the Carthaginian power, non-African possessions were sometimes included in the chorus, such as the part of Sardinia captured by the Carthaginians. Another component of the power were the Carthaginian colonies, which exercised supervision over the surrounding lands, were in some cases centers of trade and craft, and served as a reservoir for absorbing the “surplus” population. They had certain rights, but were under the control of a special resident sent from the capital.

The power included the old colonies of Tire. Some of them (Gades, Utica, Kossoura) were officially considered equal to the capital, others legally occupied a lower position. But the official position and the true role in the power of these cities did not always coincide. Thus, Utica was practically completely subordinate to Carthage (which later led more than once to the fact that this city, under favorable conditions for it, took an anti-Carthaginian position), and the legally inferior cities of Sicily, in whose loyalty the Carthaginians were especially interested, enjoyed significant privileges.

The power included tribes and cities that were subject to Carthage. These were Libyans outside the Chora and subject tribes of Sardinia and Spain. They were also in different positions. The Carthaginians did not interfere unnecessarily in their internal affairs, limiting themselves to taking hostages, recruiting them for military service and a rather heavy tax.

The Carthaginians also ruled over their “allies.” They governed themselves, but were deprived of foreign policy initiative and had to supply contingents to the Carthaginian army. Their attempt to evade submission to the Carthaginians was considered a rebellion. Some of them were also subject to taxes, their loyalty was ensured by hostages. But the further from the borders of the power, the more independent the local kings, dynasts and tribes became. A grid of territorial divisions was superimposed on this entire complex conglomerate of cities, peoples and tribes.

Economics and social structure

The creation of the power led to significant changes in the economic and social structure of Carthage. With the advent of land holdings, where the estates of aristocrats were located, a variety of agriculture began to develop in Carthage. It provided even more food to the Carthaginian merchants (however, the merchants were often wealthy landowners themselves), and this stimulated the further growth of Carthaginian trade. Carthage becomes one of the largest trading centers in the Mediterranean.

A large number of subordinate populations appeared, located at different levels of the social ladder. At the very top of this ladder stood the Carthaginian slave-owning aristocracy, which constituted the top of the Carthaginian citizenship - the “people of Carthage”, and at the very bottom were slaves and related groups of the dependent population. Between these extremes there was a whole range of foreigners, "metecs", the so-called "Sidonian men" and other categories of the incomplete, semi-dependent and dependent population, including residents of subordinate territories.

A contrast arose between Carthaginian citizenship and the rest of the population of the state, including slaves. The civil collective itself consisted of two groups -

  1. aristocrats, or "powerful ones", and
  2. “small”, i.e. plebs.

Despite the division into two groups, citizens acted together as a cohesive natural association of oppressors, interested in the exploitation of all other inhabitants of the state.

System of property and power in Carthage

The material basis of the civil collective was communal property, which appeared in two forms: the property of the entire community (for example, an arsenal, shipyards, etc.) and the property of individual citizens (lands, workshops, shops, ships, except state ones, especially military ones, etc.). d.). Along with communal property, there was no other sector. Even the property of temples was brought under the control of the community.

Sarcophagus of the priestess. Marble. IV-III centuries BC. Carthage.

The civil collective, in theory, also possessed full state power. We do not know exactly what positions were occupied by Malchus, who seized power, and the Magonids who came after him to rule the state (sources in this regard are very contradictory). In fact, their situation seemed to resemble that of the Greek tyrants. Under the leadership of the Magonids, the Carthaginian state was actually created. But then it seemed to the Carthaginian aristocrats that this family had become “difficult for the freedom of the state,” and the grandchildren of Mago were expelled. Expulsion of the Magonids in the middle of the 5th century. BC. led to the establishment of a republican form of government.

The highest power in the republic, at least officially, and at critical moments in fact, belonged to the people's assembly, which embodied the sovereign will of the civil collective. In fact, leadership was exercised by oligarchic councils and magistrates elected from among wealthy and noble citizens, primarily two sufet, in whose hands executive power was held throughout the year.

The people could intervene in the affairs of government only in case of disagreements among the rulers, which arose during periods of political crises. The people also had the right to choose, although very limited, councilors and magistrates. In addition, the “people of Carthage” were tamed in every possible way by the aristocrats, who gave them a share of the benefits from the existence of the power: not only the “mighty”, but also the “small” made profits from the maritime and trading power of Carthage, people sent for supervision were recruited from the “plebs” over subordinate communities and tribes, participation in wars provided a certain benefit, for in the presence of a significant mercenary army, citizens were still not completely separated from military service, they were represented at various levels of the land army, from privates to commanders, and especially in the fleet.

Thus, a self-sufficient civil collective was formed in Carthage, possessing sovereign power and relying on communal property, next to which there was neither royal power standing above citizenship nor a non-communal sector in socio-economic terms. Therefore, we can say that the polis arose here, i.e. this form of economic, social and political organization of citizens, which is characteristic of the ancient version of ancient society. Comparing the situation in Carthage with the situation in the metropolis, it should be noted that the cities of Phenicia itself, with all the development of the commodity economy, remained within the framework of the eastern version of the development of ancient society, and Carthage became an ancient state.

The formation of the Carthaginian polis and the formation of a power were the main content of the second stage of the history of Carthage. The Carthaginian power arose during the fierce struggle of the Carthaginians with both the local population and the Greeks. Wars with the latter were of a distinctly imperialist nature, because they were fought for the seizure and exploitation of foreign territories and peoples.

Rise of Carthage

From the second half of the 5th century. BC. The third stage of Carthaginian history begins. The power had already been created, and now the talk was about its expansion and attempts to establish hegemony in the Western Mediterranean. The main obstacle to this was initially the same Western Greeks. In 409 BC. The Carthaginian commander Hannibal landed in Motia, and a new round of wars in Sicily began, which lasted intermittently for more than a century and a half.

Gilded bronze cuirass. III-II centuries BC. Carthage.

Initially, success leaned towards Carthage. The Carthaginians subdued the Elims and Sicans who lived in western Sicily and began an attack on Syracuse, the most powerful Greek city on the island and the most implacable enemy of Carthage. In 406, the Carthaginians besieged Syracuse, and only the plague that began in the Carthaginian camp saved the Syracusans. World 405 BC assigned the western part of Sicily to Carthage. True, this success turned out to be fragile, and the border between Carthaginian and Greek Sicily always remained pulsating, moving either to the east or to the west as one side or another succeeded.

The failures of the Carthaginian army almost immediately responded to the aggravation of internal contradictions in Carthage, including powerful uprisings of the Libyans and slaves. End of the 5th - first half of the 4th century. BC. were a time of intense clashes within citizenship, both between separate groups of aristocrats, and, apparently, between the “plebs” involved in these clashes and aristocratic groups. At the same time, slaves rose up against their masters, and subject peoples against the Carthaginians. And only with calm within the state was the Carthaginian government able in the middle of the 4th century. BC. resume external expansion.

The Carthaginians then established control over southeast Spain, something they had tried unsuccessfully to do a century and a half earlier. In Sicily, they launched a new offensive against the Greeks and achieved a number of successes, once again finding themselves under the walls of Syracuse and even capturing their port. The Syracusans were forced to turn to their metropolis Corinth for help, and from there an army arrived led by the capable commander Timoleon. The commander of the Carthaginian forces in Sicily, Hanno, failed to prevent Timoleon's landing and was recalled to Africa, while his successor was defeated and cleared Syracuse harbor. Hanno, returning to Carthage, decided to take advantage of the situation that arose in connection with this and seize power. After the failure of the coup, he fled the city, armed 20 thousand slaves and called the Libyans and Moors to arms. The rebellion was defeated, Hanno, along with all his relatives, was executed, and only his son Gisgon managed to escape death and was expelled from Carthage.

However, soon the turn of affairs in Sicily forced the Carthaginian government to turn to Gisgono. The Carthaginians suffered a severe defeat from Timoleon, and then a new army led by Gisgon was sent there. Gisgon entered into an alliance with some of the tyrants of the Greek cities of the island and defeated individual detachments of Timoleon's army. This allowed in 339 BC. conclude a peace relatively beneficial for Carthage, according to which he retained his possessions in Sicily. After these events, the Hannonid family became the most influential in Carthage for a long time, although there could be no talk of any tyranny, as was the case with the Magonids.

The wars with the Syracusan Greeks went on as usual and with varying degrees of success. At the end of the 4th century. BC. the Greeks even landed in Africa, directly threatening Carthage. The Carthaginian commander Bomilcar decided to take advantage of the opportunity and seize power. But the citizens spoke out against him, suppressing the rebellion. And soon the Greeks were repulsed from the Carthaginian walls and returned to Sicily. The attempt of the Epirus king Pyrrhus to oust the Carthaginians from Sicily in the 70s was also unsuccessful. III century BC. All these endless and tedious wars showed that neither the Carthaginians nor the Greeks had the strength to take Sicily from each other.

The emergence of a new rival - Rome

The situation changed in the 60s. III century BC, when a new predator intervened in this fight - Rome. In 264, the first war began between Carthage and Rome. In 241 it ended with the complete loss of Sicily.

This outcome of the war exacerbated the contradictions in Carthage and gave rise to an acute internal crisis there. Its most striking manifestation was a powerful uprising, in which mercenary soldiers took part, dissatisfied with the non-payment of money owed to them, the local population, who sought to throw off the heavy Carthaginian oppression, and slaves who hated their masters. The uprising took place in the immediate vicinity of Carthage, probably also covering Sardinia and Spain. The fate of Carthage hung in the balance. With great difficulty and at the cost of incredible cruelty, Hamilcar, who had previously become famous in Sicily, managed to suppress this uprising, and then went to Spain, continuing the “pacification” of the Carthaginian possessions. Sardinia had to say goodbye, losing it to Rome, which threatened a new war.

The second aspect of the crisis was the increasing role of citizenship. The rank and file, who in theory held sovereign power, now sought to transform theory into practice. A democratic “party” arose led by Hasdrubal. A split also occurred among the oligarchy, in which two factions emerged.

  1. One was led by Hanno from the influential Hannonid family - they stood for a cautious and peaceful policy that excluded a new conflict with Rome;
  2. and the other - Hamilcar, representing the Barkids family (nicknamed Hamilcar - Barca, lit., “lightning”) - they were active, with the goal of taking revenge from the Romans.

Rise of the Barcids and the war with Rome

Presumably a bust of Hannibal Barca. Found in Capua in 1932

Wide circles of citizens were also interested in revenge, for whom the influx of wealth from the subject lands and from the monopoly of maritime trade was beneficial. Therefore, an alliance arose between the Barcids and the Democrats, sealed by the marriage of Hasdrubal with the daughter of Hamilcar. Relying on the support of democracy, Hamilcar managed to overcome the machinations of his enemies and go to Spain. In Spain, Hamilcar and his successors from the Barcid family, including his son-in-law Hasdrubal, greatly expanded the Carthaginian possessions.

After the overthrow of the Magonids, the ruling circles of Carthage did not allow the unification of military and civil functions in the same hands. However, during the war with Rome, they began to practice similar things, following the example of the Hellenistic states, but not at the national level, as was the case under the Magonids, but at the local level. Such was the power of the Barkids in Spain. But the Barkids exercised their powers on the Iberian Peninsula independently. Strong reliance on the army, close ties with democratic circles in Carthage itself and the special relations established between the Barcids and the local population contributed to the emergence in Spain of a semi-independent Barcid power, essentially of a Hellenistic type.

Hamilcar already considered Spain as a springboard for a new war with Rome. His son Hannibal in 218 BC provoked this war. The Second Punic War began. Hannibal himself went to Italy, leaving his brother in Spain. Military operations unfolded on several fronts, and the Carthaginian commanders (especially Hannibal) won a number of victories. But victory in the war remained with Rome.

World 201 BC deprived Carthage of the navy and all non-African possessions and forced the Carthaginians to recognize the independence of Numidia in Africa, to whose king the Carthaginians had to return all the possessions of his ancestors (this article placed a “time bomb” under Carthage), and the Carthaginians themselves had no right to wage war without permission Rome. This war not only deprived Carthage of its position as a great power, but also significantly limited its sovereignty. The third stage of Carthaginian history, which began with such happy omens, ended with the bankruptcy of the Carthaginian aristocracy, which had ruled the republic for so long.

Internal position

At this stage, there was no radical transformation in the economic, social and political life of Carthage. But certain changes still took place. In the 4th century. BC. Carthage began minting its own coins. A certain Hellenization of part of the Carthaginian aristocracy occurs, and two cultures emerge in Carthaginian society, as is typical for the Hellenistic world. As in the Hellenistic states, in a number of cases civil and military power was concentrated in the same hands. In Spain, a semi-independent Barkid power emerged, the heads of which felt a kinship with the then rulers of the Middle East, and where a system of relations between the conquerors and the local population appeared, similar to that existing in the Hellenistic states.

Carthage had large expanses of land suitable for cultivation. In contrast to other Phoenician city-states, Carthage developed large agricultural plantation farms on a large scale, employing the labor of numerous slaves. The plantation economy of Carthage played a very important role in the economic history of the ancient world, since it influenced the development of the same type of slave economy, first in Sicily and then in Italy.

In the VI century. BC. or maybe in the 5th century. BC. in Carthage lived the writer and theorist of the plantation slave economy Mago, whose great work enjoyed such fame that the Roman army that besieged Carthage in the middle of the 2nd century. BC, an order was given to preserve this work. And it was really saved. By decree of the Roman Senate, Mago's work was translated from Phoenician into Latin, and then was used by all agricultural theorists in Rome. For their plantation economy, for their craft workshops and for their galleys, the Carthaginians needed a huge number of slaves, selected by them from among prisoners of war and purchased.

Sunset of Carthage

The defeat in the second war with Rome opened the last stage of Carthaginian history. Carthage lost its power, and its possessions were reduced to a small district near the city itself. Opportunities to exploit the non-Carthaginian population disappeared. Large groups of dependent and semi-dependent populations escaped the control of the Carthaginian aristocracy. The agricultural area shrank sharply, and trade again assumed predominant importance.

Glass vessels for ointments and balms. OK. 200 BC

If earlier not only the nobility, but also the “plebs” received certain benefits from the existence of the power, now they have disappeared. This naturally caused an acute social and political crisis, which now went beyond the existing institutions.

In 195 BC. Hannibal, having become a Sufet, carried out a reform of the state structure that dealt a blow to the very foundations of the previous system with its dominance of the aristocracy and opened the way to practical power, on the one hand, for broad layers of the civilian population, and on the other, for demagogues who could take advantage of the movement of these layers. Under these conditions, a fierce political struggle unfolded in Carthage, reflecting acute contradictions within the civil collective. First, the Carthaginian oligarchy managed to take revenge, with the help of the Romans, forcing Hannibal to flee without completing the work he started. But the oligarchs were unable to maintain their power intact.

By the middle of the 2nd century. BC. Three political factions fought in Carthage. During this struggle, Hasdrubal became the leading figure, heading the anti-Roman group, and his position led to the establishment of a regime similar to the Greek minor tyranny. The rise of Hasdrubal frightened the Romans. In 149 BC. Rome began a third war with Carthage. This time, for the Carthaginians, it was no longer about domination over certain subjects and not about hegemony, but about their own life and death. The war practically came down to the siege of Carthage. Despite the heroic resistance of citizens, in 146 BC. the city fell and was destroyed. Most of the citizens died in the war, and the rest were taken into slavery by the Romans. The history of Phoenician Carthage is over.

The history of Carthage shows the process of transformation of the eastern city into an ancient state and the formation of a polis. And having become a polis, Carthage also experienced a crisis of this form of organization of ancient society. At the same time, it must be emphasized that we do not know what the way out of the crisis could be here, since the natural course of events was interrupted by Rome, which dealt a fatal blow to Carthage. The Phoenician cities of the metropolis, which developed in different historical conditions, remained within the framework of the eastern version of the ancient world and, having become part of the Hellenistic states, already within them moved to a new historical path.

Carthage is an ancient city that was once an entire state and had power over almost half of the globe. Nowadays, it has long lost its former greatness, but attracts historians, lovers of ancient civilizations and simply travelers from all over the world who want to learn the secrets of old Carthage and see with their own eyes the world of the Roman Empire. Carthage itself is beautiful, however, there are interesting places nearby. Read the article and think - maybe this ancient city will attract you on vacation in 2019?

Many have heard this name from history lessons, but not everyone knows or remembers exactly what this ancient city was so famous for.

Brief historical background

According to legend, Dido became the founder of the city of Carthage, and then its queen. She had to hastily leave Tyre, since the ruler of Tyre, Pygmalion, her brother, killed Dido’s husband in order to seize his wealth. Dido was allowed to take into her possession exactly as much soil as she could cover with the skin of an ox. However, Dido was able to get a large “plot of land”: she made thin straps from the skin and was able to wrap them around an entire mountain. This shows how much the Carthaginians were always famous for their enterprise and resourcefulness in business.

As for history, it is reliably known that in the 3rd century BC Carthage was the greatest state formation in this area. The population of Carthage made the city impregnable and actively developed trade. Carthage was led by a meeting of citizens, mostly wealthy people. Carthage was developed on a par with Rome.

And so, the time came when the Romans and the inhabitants of Carthage began to conflict. Both great populations wanted to control Sicily. The time has come for several Punic Wars, glorified on the pages of historical chronicles. The Carthaginians stubbornly resisted the Romans, among them were such great military leaders as Hannibal. But Rome still won - and during the Third Punic War the city was completely destroyed.

The Romans wanted the city to cease to exist altogether, but then they realized that the territory could be useful. Therefore, the city became populated again. Christianity came to the city. However, in the 6th century the powerful Roman Empire collapsed, and already at the end of the 7th century AD the city was captured by the Arabs. After this, Carthage became only an appendage of Tunisia.

So this ancient city stood in ruins until the active development of tourism in the country began. Now Tunisia is one of the most visited countries in North Africa by travelers, and many of them go to Carthage on an excursion or even stay in this city. Carthage is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most enchanting places in the world. And since the 19th century, it has attracted historians, anthropologists and archaeologists who have conducted and are still excavating this great ancient city in order to find new artifacts and make new discoveries.

Brief geographical information and climate

Carthage is located near (the capital of the same name of the state of Tunisia). He is part of the administrative structure of the city. Tunisia itself is located on the Mediterranean Sea, and the type of climate in the city is appropriate - Mediterranean. Winters are warm and bring a lot of rain, while summers are very hot and dry. So, the average temperature in August - the hottest month - is around 27 degrees Celsius, it can be hot and up to 32 degrees Celsius. It is quite pleasant to visit Tunisia and Carthage itself in June or September; the trip can be combined with swimming in the beautiful and healing sea, but it will no longer be so swelteringly hot.

Carthage on the map


Planning a trip to Carthage: transport, accommodation, visa, safety

Before you visit an ancient city, you need to plan your entire trip. After all, this is a guarantee that it will go smoothly and will bring only good impressions.

How to get to Carthage

As already mentioned, the city is now a suburb of Tunisia, located 14 kilometers from the capital of the state. First you have to fly to Tunisia itself. If you book air tickets in advance, a ticket for a trip at the beginning of summer will cost from 11,000 rubles per passenger one way. From Tunis airport it is worth getting to the railway that connects the city and its suburbs. Getting to Carthage is mere pennies: about 25 rubles, and only half an hour’s drive in fairly comfortable conditions (first class). You can also take a taxi, it will cost about 300 rubles. You can also visit Carthage with a tour: there are always plenty of offers from guides in this direction.

Hotel infrastructure

There are very few hotels in this city - the historical significance of the place makes the construction of numerous hotels simply impossible. Hotel Villa Didon is the only place in the whole city where you can spend the night. The villa consists of 20 rooms, each of which has a unique designer renovation, so prices per room start from 7,000 rubles per day per person.

More budget accommodation options are available in the cities of Tunis, Gammarth and Sidi Bou Said, which are located close to Carthage. In the capital, for example, you can find apartments; double occupancy in them will cost about $40 per day. An average three-star or even four-star hotel can be booked for around $100 per night for two people.

Visa

Carthage has long been no longer a separate state, and therefore Russians need a visa to Tunisia. More precisely, it is not necessary: ​​after all, there is a pleasant visa-free regime for tourists from the Russian Federation. You can stay in the sunny African country for up to three months for tourism purposes. Having arrived in the country, you just have to present your foreign passport, in rare cases, confirm your tourist purposes for staying in the country, and that’s it, you can go to Carthage!

Safety

Again, it's worth knowing about security in Tunisia itself. In recent years, several terrorist attacks have been committed in the region, however, resort areas are always very well guarded, the country does everything for the safety of tourists, and police representatives are always on alert. What you should know in advance when going to Tunisia and Carthage itself:

  • It is worth taking out medical insurance for the entire period of stay in the country;
  • in places full of tourists, there are also a lot of pickpockets, and therefore it is always necessary to keep an eye on valuables and equipment, and it is better to leave a significant part of the financial assets in the hotel safe;
  • women in Tunisia are better off following some rules: do not walk alone in the evening, do not wear overly revealing clothes;
  • It is best to drink only bottled water;
  • and, if your trip is planned on hot days, always remember to protect yourself from the sun's rays.

Attractions in Carthage

The main attraction of Carthage is the ruins of the old city, which was once as powerful and great as Rome. The amphitheater, built in the 2nd century BC, is a structure of five tiers that could accommodate five thousand spectators. The uniqueness of the amphitheater arena is that it could be flooded with water from the sea if the production included naval battles. And spectacles were loved in Carthage just as in Rome.

However, the most important ancient beauties of Carthage are considered to be the Antonine Baths, which are almost equal in size and beauty to similar baths in Rome. The buildings date back to the 2nd century BC and occupy 2 hectares in area.

The Tunisian city of Carthage later became Christian, which means there are corresponding buildings. Birsa Hill is famous for the fact that there used to be a fortress founded by Dido, and now the Cathedral of St. Louis was built there. It was built at the end of the 19th century in honor of the saint of the same name, who died during the siege of Tunisia in the 13th century. The style of the cathedral is Moorish, so it fits well with the local landscape. A little north of this place is the Hill of Jupiter, on which now stands a monastery of the Carmelite Order and a building of columns.

Another famous place in this city is the ruins of Roman villas, which during the existence of Rome were built for wealthy citizens. Now the remains of the village are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the middle of the last century, one of the houses was restored and received the name “poultry house”, since a mosaic depicting birds was discovered during the restoration.

In addition to standard excursions to the ruins of Carthage and the Antonine Baths, many tourists are attracted by trips to Tophet, an ancient open-air burial site. A terrible legend tells that the inhabitants of the ancient city sacrificed their first-born children at this place in order to appease their gods. Confirmation is provided by the columns on which there are images of priests performing sacrifices.

Not far from Tophet is the building of the Oceanographic Museum. The exhibition consists of models of ancient ports, models of Carthaginian boats, an exhibition of maritime knots, artifacts raised from the bottom of the sea, aquariums with fish, stuffed rare Mediterranean animals.

To see almost all the beauties of the ancient city, you need to pay about 300 rubles. The ticket is valid for one day. The cathedral and the museum are paid separately - both together will cost another hundred rubles.

Entertainment in Carthage

In the summer, Carthage traditionally hosts a music festival.

Artists from different countries perform classical arias and the most famous works of world classics in the old amphitheater, thanks to the acoustics of which the melodies sound mesmerizing. Every year the international festival is attended by hundreds of spectators.

As for food, in Carthage itself there are few restaurants and small cafes, since land in Tunisia is expensive and is sold mainly for the construction of villas, and few tourists stay in Carthage. Several gastronomic establishments offer Mediterranean cuisine or takeaway items. If you want to eat in a romantic setting, then you should visit Villa Dido, a hotel that includes a wonderful restaurant overlooking the sea, the ruins of the old city and the Presidential Palace. Prices for main dishes here will be up to 1,100 rubles.

By the way, it’s better to learn about Tunisian cuisine in advance. It will please most Europeans, since the country’s culinary traditions are similar to those of Mediterranean cuisine. Vegetables, meat and fish, olive oil... The difference is that Tunisians love seasonings more, however, not overly spicy, but rather spicy. In coastal cities, in the capital, in particular, seafood is popular (especially tuna dishes). If you want to try traditional Tunisian dishes, you should try, for example:

  • chebureks brik;
  • chicken tagine omelette;
  • hearty soup shorba.

When it comes to drinks, Tunisians prefer delicious coffee and green tea. Alcohol, especially in tourist areas, is treated quite calmly.

When visiting Carthage, you should definitely bring souvenirs related to its history: figurines of military figures, small copies of the ruins themselves. From Tunisia itself, as a souvenir of the trip and as a gift to all loved ones, they usually bring:

  • olive oil;
  • dates;
  • ceramic products;
  • local soaps and cosmetics made from natural products;
  • sauces, sweets, canned food.

Attractions and entertainment in the vicinity of Carthage

It is unlikely that anyone will go to Tunisia for the sake of Carthage alone. Of course, it's worth it on its own, but you can add other attractions and entertainment into your trip.

Thus, in Tunisia itself it is worth visiting the colonial street architecture and the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Cathedral. This building was built in a mixture of styles: Romanesque and Byzantine. If, on the contrary, you want to feel the breath of local color, you should visit the medina of the city. This is a traditional Arab area, where there are many oriental bazaars, souvenir shops, and Arab catering establishments. There is also the Zitouna Mosque, built in the 7th century, which still attracts many Muslim pilgrims.

Another interesting Tunisian city is. It is also home to the ancient medina area, where a fort is worth a visit. The Hammamet Fort has a wonderful observation deck, as well as exhibits of ancient tools, a tomb and a museum. There are also traces of Roman culture in Hammamet - the ancient city of Pupput. Carthage is one ancient great city, and Rome is another. In Tunisia, you have the opportunity to visit the consequences of the creations of both cultures.

In addition to all the ancient or ancient places, as well as a combination of colonial and traditional buildings, in Tunisia you can combine educational and beach holidays. For example, the resorts of Tunisia or Hammamet itself will delight you with fairly comfortable hotels and good beaches. There is an opportunity to relax during thalassotherapy sessions or engage in active recreation - snorkeling, diving.

Carthage is a unique place in North Africa, whose ancient architecture and seascapes will not leave anyone indifferent! A visit to this ancient city will be useful for travelers of any age, because knowledge is always wonderful. Consider visiting the city that was once the greatest in 2019!

And finally, some practical information on how to get to Carthage:

The beautiful city of Carthage was built. The city had a rich history, which, unfortunately, in our time can only be recalled by small fragments of former buildings. The ruins of Carthage were included in the UNESCO heritage list in 1979.

Exists legend, it says that Queen Dido decided to buy land in these parts in order to found a city. She was allowed to buy territory that could be covered by one bull hide. The quick-witted person, without thinking for a long time, cut the skin into thin strips and tied them together - the resulting “rope” marked the boundaries of her possessions. Therefore, the erected citadel in the center of Carthage was named Birsa, which means "skin".

Carthage, or "New City" in Phoenician, was founded with the hope of great success, and he was able to earn the status of the largest power in the Mediterranean. Passing from hand to hand during wars, it either flourished in luxury and beautiful architectural decoration, or went out like a fire doused with water.

During Punic War Carthage was defeated by the Romans, then rebuilt and turned into an important city of the Roman Empire. Later it became an early Christian church center. As a result, Carthage was captured during the Arab conquest and finally destroyed.

Territory, as befits such places, is surrounded by many secrets. Scientists from different parts of the world are engaged in excavations. Every year, more and more new artifacts are found that confirm or refute the history of the city described in the books.

Only a small part has survived fragments for the Punic period: several buildings, part of the street And port, and Tophet. Tophet was the name of the place of sacrifice, and the remains of animals and people were discovered here.

The remaining parts of Carthage have already been preserved from the time when the Romans came to power. Fragments of traditional Roman Empire amphitheater, which at one time was built with 10 thousand seats. Interesting to study are parts of the Roman water supply And aqueduct. The thermal complex (baths) of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius is represented today only by the ruins of basements where steam was produced and water was heated. In ancient times, it was a fairly large structure with large halls where there were hot baths, palaestrae where gymnastic exercises were performed, rest rooms for conversations and utility rooms.

The heritage of the Punic (Carthaginian), Roman and Byzantine periods, obtained during excavations by archaeologists, is exhibited at the National Museum of Carthage (Musee National de Carthage) on Birsa Hill.

Nowadays, the great Carthage is a suburb of the city Tunisia. The residence of the country's president and the University of Carthage are located here.

Carthage was founded in 814 BC. e. colonists from the Phoenician city of Tire. After the fall of Phoenician influence in the Western Mediterranean, Carthage reassigned the former Phoenician colonies. By the 3rd century BC. e. it becomes the largest state in the western Mediterranean, subjugating Southern Spain, North Africa, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. After a series of wars against Rome, it lost its conquests and was destroyed in 146 BC. e., its territory was turned into the province of Africa. Julius Caesar proposed to found a colony in its place (it was founded after his death). After the conquest of North Africa by the Byzantine emperor Justinian, Carthage was the capital of the Carthaginian Exarchate. It finally lost its name after being conquered by the Arabs.

Location

Carthage is located on a promontory with entrances to the sea in the north and south. The city's location made it a leader in Mediterranean maritime trade. All ships crossing the sea inevitably passed between Sicily and the coast of Tunisia.

Two large artificial harbors were dug within the city: one for the navy, capable of accommodating 220 warships, the other for commercial trade. On the isthmus that separated the harbors, a huge tower was built, surrounded by a wall.

The length of the massive city walls was 37 kilometers, and the height in some places reached 12 meters. Most of the walls were located on the shore, which made the city impregnable from the sea.

The city had a huge cemetery, places of worship, markets, a municipality, towers, and a theater. It was divided into four equal residential areas. Approximately in the middle of the city stood a high citadel called Birsa. It was one of the largest cities in Hellenistic times (according to some estimates, only Alexandria was larger), and was among the largest cities of antiquity.

State structure

Carthage was ruled by the aristocracy. The highest body was the council of elders, headed by 10 (later 30) people. The People's Assembly also formally played a significant role, but in fact it was rarely addressed. Around 450 BC. e. In order to create a counterbalance to the desire of some clans (especially the Mago clan) to gain full control over the council, a council of judges was created. It consisted of 104 people and was initially supposed to judge the remaining officials after the expiration of their terms of office, but subsequently concentrated all power in its hands. The executive (and highest judicial) power was exercised by two suffets; they, like the council of elders, were elected annually by open purchase of votes (most likely, there were other officials, but information about this has not been preserved). The Council of 104 was not elected, but was appointed by special commissions - pentarchy, which themselves were replenished on the basis of belonging to one or another aristocratic family. The Council of Elders also elected the commander-in-chief - for an indefinite period and with the broadest powers. The performance of the duties of officials was not paid; in addition, there was a qualification of nobility. The democratic opposition only strengthened during the Punic Wars and did not have time to play almost any role in history. The whole system was highly corrupt, but colossal government revenues allowed the country to develop quite successfully.

According to Polybius (i.e. from the point of view of the Romans), decisions in Carthage were made by the people (plebs), and in Rome - by the best people, that is, the Senate. And this despite the fact that, according to many historians, Carthage was ruled by an Oligarchy.

Religion

Although the Phoenicians lived scattered throughout the Western Mediterranean, they were united by common beliefs. The Carthaginians inherited the Canaanite religion from their Phoenician ancestors. Every year for centuries, Carthage sent envoys to Tire to perform a sacrifice there in the temple of Melqart. In Carthage, the main deities were the pair Baal Hammon, whose name means “fire-master,” and Tanit, identified with Astarte.

The most notorious feature of Carthage's religion was child sacrifice. According to Diodorus Siculus, in 310 BC. e., during the attack on the city, in order to pacify Baal Hammon, the Carthaginians sacrificed more than 200 children from noble families. The Encyclopedia of Religion states: “The sacrifice of an innocent child as a sacrifice of atonement was the greatest act of propitiation of the gods. Apparently, this act was intended to ensure the welfare of both the family and the community.”

In 1921, archaeologists discovered a site where several rows of urns were found containing the charred remains of both animals (they were sacrificed instead of people) and small children. The place was called Tophet. The burials were located under steles on which requests were written that accompanied the sacrifices. It is estimated that the site contains the remains of more than 20,000 children sacrificed in just 200 years. Today, some revisionists argue that the burial site was simply a cemetery for children who were stillborn or were not old enough to be buried in the necropolis. However, it cannot be said with complete confidence that people were not sacrificed in Carthage.

Social system

The entire population, according to its rights, was divided into several groups based on ethnicity. The Libyans were in the most difficult situation. The territory of Libya was divided into regions subordinate to the strategists, taxes were very high, and their collection was accompanied by all sorts of abuses. This led to frequent uprisings, which were brutally suppressed. Libyans were forcibly recruited into the army - the reliability of such units, of course, was very low. The Siculi - Sicilian Greeks - made up another part of the population; their rights in the field of political administration were limited by “Sidonian law” (its content is unknown). The Siculs, however, enjoyed free trade. People from the Phoenician cities annexed to Carthage enjoyed full civil rights, and the rest of the population (freedmen, settlers - in a word, not Phoenicians) enjoyed “Sidonian law” like the Sicules.

The Wealth of Carthage

Built on the foundation laid by the Phoenician ancestors, Carthage created its own trading network (it was mainly involved in the import of metals) and developed it to unprecedented proportions. Carthage maintained its monopoly on trade through a powerful fleet and mercenary troops.

Carthaginian merchants were constantly looking for new markets. Around 480 BC. e. The navigator Gimilkon landed in British Cornwall, rich in tin. And 30 years later, Hanno, who came from an influential Carthaginian family, led an expedition of 60 ships with 30,000 men and women. People were landed in different parts of the coast to found new colonies. It is possible that, having sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar and along the African coast, Hanno reached the Gulf of Guinea and even the shores of Cameroon.

Entrepreneurship and business acumen helped Carthage become, by all accounts, the richest city of the ancient world. “At the beginning of the 3rd century [BC. BC] thanks to technology, the fleet and trade... the city moved to the forefront,” says the book “Carthage”. The Greek historian Appian wrote about the Carthaginians: “Their power militarily became equal to the Hellenic, but in terms of wealth it was in second place after the Persian.”

Army

Carthage's army was mainly mercenary. The basis of the infantry were Spanish, African, Greek, and Gallic mercenaries; the Carthaginian aristocracy served in the “sacred detachment” - heavily armed cavalry. The mercenary cavalry consisted of Numidians, who were considered the most skilled warriors in antiquity, and Iberians. The Iberians were also considered good warriors - the Balearic slingers and caetrati (correlated with the Greek peltasts) formed the light infantry, the scutatii (armed with a spear, javelin and bronze shell) - the heavy, Spanish heavy cavalry (armed with swords) was also highly valued. The Celtiberian tribes used the weapons of the Gauls - long double-edged swords. An important role was also played by elephants, which were kept in numbers of about 300. The “technical” equipment of the army was also high (catapults, ballistas, etc.). In general, the composition of the Punic army was similar to the armies of the Hellenistic states. At the head of the army was the commander-in-chief, elected by the council of elders, but towards the end of the existence of the state, this election was also carried out by the army, which indicates monarchical tendencies.

Story

Carthage was founded by immigrants from the Phoenician city of Tire at the end of the 9th century BC. e. According to legend, the city was founded by the widow of a Phoenician king named Dido. She promised the local tribe to pay a precious stone for a piece of land limited by the skin of a bull, but on the condition that the choice of place would be hers. After the deal was concluded, the colonists chose a convenient location for the city, ringing it with narrow belts made from a single bull hide.

The authenticity of the legend is unknown, but it seems unlikely that without the favorable attitude of the natives, a handful of settlers could have established a foothold in the allotted territory and founded a city there. In addition, there is reason to believe that the settlers were representatives of a political party that was not popular in their homeland, and they could hardly hope for the support of the mother country. According to Herodotus, Justin and Ovid, soon after the founding of the city, relations between Carthage and the local population deteriorated. The leader of the Maksitan tribe Giarb, under the threat of war, demanded the hand of Queen Elissa, but she preferred death to marriage. The war, however, began and was not in favor of the Carthaginians. According to Ovid, Giarbus even captured the city and held it for several years.

Judging by the objects found during archaeological excavations, at the beginning of its history, trade relations connected Carthage with the metropolis, as well as Cyprus and Egypt.

In the 8th century BC. e. The situation in the Mediterranean has changed greatly. Phenicia was conquered by Assyria and numerous colonies became independent. Assyrian rule caused a massive exodus of population from the ancient Phoenician cities to the colonies. Probably, the population of Carthage was replenished with refugees to such an extent that Carthage was able, in turn, to form colonies itself. The first Carthaginian colony in the Western Mediterranean was the city of Ebessus on the island of Pitiuss (first half of the 7th century BC).

At the turn of the 7th and 6th centuries. BC e. Greek colonization began. In order to counter the advance of the Greeks, the Phoenician colonies began to unite into states. In Sicily - Panormus, Soluent, Motia in 580 BC. e. successfully resisted the Greeks. In Spain, a league of cities led by Hades fought Tartessus. But the basis of a single Phoenician state in the west was the union of Carthage and Utica.

The advantageous geographical position allowed Carthage to become the largest city in the western Mediterranean (the population reached 700,000 people), unite around itself the rest of the Phoenician colonies in North Africa and Spain and conduct extensive conquests and colonization.

6th century BC e.

In the 6th century, the Greeks founded the colony of Massalia and entered into an alliance with Tartessus. Initially, the Punes suffered defeats, but Mago carried out a reform of the army (now mercenaries became the basis of the troops), an alliance was concluded with the Etruscans, and in 537 BC. e. In the battle of Alalia, the Greeks were defeated. Soon Tartessus was destroyed and all the Phoenician cities of Spain were annexed.

The main source of wealth was trade - Carthaginian merchants traded in Egypt, Italy, Spain, the Black and Red Seas - and agriculture, based on the widespread use of slave labor. There was strict regulation of trade - Carthage sought to monopolize trade turnover; for this purpose, all subjects were obliged to trade only through the mediation of Carthaginian merchants. This brought huge profits, but greatly hampered the development of the territories under their control and contributed to the growth of separatist sentiments. During the Greco-Persian Wars, Carthage was allied with Persia, and together with the Etruscans an attempt was made to completely capture Sicily. But after the defeat at the Battle of Himera (480 BC) by a coalition of Greek city-states, the struggle was suspended for several decades. The main enemy of the Punics was Syracuse (by 400 BC this state was at the height of its power and sought to open trade in the west, completely captured by Carthage), the war continued at intervals of almost a hundred years (394-306 BC) and ended with the almost complete conquest of Sicily by the Punics.

III century BC e.

In the 3rd century BC. e. the interests of Carthage came into conflict with the strengthened Roman Republic. Relations, previously allied, began to deteriorate. This first appeared at the final stage of the war between Rome and Tarentum. Finally, in 264 BC. e. The First Punic War began. It was carried out mainly in Sicily and at sea. Quite quickly, the Romans captured Sicily, but this was affected by the almost complete absence of Rome’s fleet. Only by 260 BC. e. The Romans created a fleet and, using boarding tactics, won a naval victory at Cape Mila. In 256 BC. e. The Romans moved the fighting to Africa, defeating the fleet and then the land army of the Carthaginians. But the consul Attilius Regulus did not use the advantage gained, and a year later the Punic army under the command of the Spartan mercenary Xanthippus inflicted a complete defeat on the Romans. In this battle, as in many previous and subsequent ones, elephants brought victory (even though the Romans had already encountered them when fighting against Pyrrhus, king of Epirus). Only in 251 BC. e. In the battle of Panorma (Sicily), the Romans won a great victory, capturing 120 elephants. Two years later, the Carthaginians won a great naval victory (almost the only one in the entire war) and there was a lull due to the complete exhaustion of both sides.

Hamilcar Barca

In 247 BC. e. Hamilcar Barca (Lightning) became the commander-in-chief of Carthage; thanks to his outstanding abilities, success in Sicily began to lean toward the Punics, but in 241 BC. e. Rome, having gathered its strength, was able to field a new fleet and army. Carthage could no longer resist them and, after defeat, was forced to make peace, ceding Sicily to Rome, and pay an indemnity of 3,200 talents for 10 years.

After the defeat, Hamilcar resigned, power passed to his political opponents, led by Hanno. The Carthaginian government made a highly unreasonable attempt to reduce pay to mercenaries, which caused a strong uprising - the Libyans supported the army. Thus began the mercenary uprising, which almost ended in the death of the country. Hamilcar was again called to power. During the three-year war, he suppressed the uprising, but the garrison of Sardinia sided with the rebels and, fearing the tribes living on the island, recognized the power of Rome. Carthage demanded the return of the island. Since Rome was looking for an opportunity to destroy Carthage, under an insignificant pretext in 237 BC. e. declared war. Only by paying 1,200 talents to reimburse military expenses was the war averted.

The apparent inability of the aristocratic government to govern effectively led to the strengthening of the democratic opposition, led by Hamilcar. The People's Assembly vested him with the powers of commander-in-chief. In 236 BC. e., having conquered the entire African coast, he transferred the fighting to Spain. He fought there for 9 years until he fell in battle. After his death, the army chose his son-in-law Hasdrubal as commander in chief. In 16 years (236-220 BC), most of Spain was conquered and firmly tied to the metropolis. Silver mines brought very large incomes, and a magnificent army was created in battles. Overall, Carthage became much stronger than it had been even before the loss of Sicily.

Hannibal

After the death of Hasdrubal, the army chose Hannibal - the son of Hamilcar - as commander in chief. Hamilcar raised all his children - Mago, Hasdrubal and Hannibal - to hate Rome, therefore, having gained control of the army, Hannibal began to look for a reason to start a war. In 218 BC. e. he captured Saguntum - a Greek city and an ally of Rome - the war began. Unexpectedly for the enemy, Hannibal led his army around the Alps into Italian territory. There he won a number of victories - at Ticino, Trebia and Lake Trasimene. A dictator was appointed in Rome, but in 216 BC. e. near the city of Canna, Hannibal won a crushing victory, the consequence of which was the transition to his side of a significant part of Italy, and the second most important city - Capua. The fighting took place in both Spain and Sicily. Initially, Carthage was successful, but then the Romans managed to win a number of important victories. With the death of Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal, who led him with significant reinforcements, the position of Carthage became very complicated. Mago's landing in Italy was unsuccessful - he was defeated and killed in battle. Soon Rome moved the fighting to Africa. Having concluded an alliance with the king of the Numidians, Massinissa, Scipio inflicted a series of defeats on the Punes. Hannibal was called home. In 202 BC. e. In the battle of Zama, commanding a poorly trained army, he was defeated, and the Carthaginians decided to make peace. Under its terms, they were forced to give Spain and all the islands to Rome, maintain only 10 warships and pay 10,000 talents of indemnity. In addition, they had no right to fight with anyone without the permission of Rome.

After the end of the war, Hanno, Gisgon and Hasdrubal Gad, the heads of the aristocratic parties, who were hostile towards Hannibal, tried to get Hannibal condemned, but, supported by the population, he managed to retain power. Hopes for revenge were associated with his name. In 196 BC. e. Rome defeated Macedonia, which was an ally of Carthage, in the war. But there was one more ally left - the king of the Seleucid Empire, Antiochus. It was in alliance with him that Hannibal hoped to wage a new war, but first it was necessary to put an end to the oligarchic power in Carthage itself. Using his powers as suffet, he provoked a conflict with his political opponents and practically seized sole power. His tough actions against corruption among aristocratic officials caused opposition on their part. A denunciation was made to Rome about Hannibal's diplomatic relations with Antiochus. Rome demanded his extradition. Realizing that refusal would cause war, and the country was not ready for war, Hannibal was forced to flee the country to Antiochus. There he received virtually no powers, despite the greatest honors that accompanied his arrival. After the defeat of Antiochus, he hid in Crete, in Bithynia and, finally, constantly pursued by the Romans, was forced to commit suicide, not wanting to fall into the hands of the enemy.

III Punic War

Even after losing two wars, Carthage managed to quickly recover and soon became one of the richest cities again. In Rome, trade had long been an essential sector of the economy; competition from Carthage greatly hampered its development. His rapid recovery was also a big concern. Marcus Cato, who headed one of the commissions investigating the disputes of Carthage, managed to convince most of the Senate that he still posed a danger. The issue of starting the war was resolved, but it was necessary to find a convenient excuse.

The Numidian king Massinissa constantly attacked the Carthaginian possessions; Having realized that Rome always supports the opponents of Carthage, he moved on to direct seizures. All complaints of the Carthaginians were ignored and resolved in favor of Numidia. Finally, the Punes were forced to give him a direct military rebuff. Rome immediately made claims regarding the outbreak of hostilities without permission. The Roman army arrived at Carthage. The frightened Carthaginians asked for peace, the consul Lucius Censorinus demanded the surrender of all weapons, then demanded that Carthage be destroyed and that a new city be founded far from the sea. Having asked for a month to think it over, the Punes prepared for war. Thus began the Third Punic War. The city was superbly fortified, so it was possible to capture it only after 3 years of a difficult siege and heavy fighting. Carthage was completely destroyed, out of a population of 500,000, only 50,000 remained alive. A Roman province was created on its territory, ruled by a governor from Utica.

Rome in Africa

Just 100 years after the destruction of Carthage, Julius Caesar decided to found a colony on the site of the city. These plans were destined to come true only after his death. In honor of the founder, the colony was named "Colonia Julia Carthago" or "Carthaginian Colony of Julia". Roman engineers removed about 100,000 cubic meters of earth, destroying the top of Birsa to level the surface and eliminate traces of the past. Temples and beautiful public buildings were erected on this site. After some time, Carthage became “one of the most luxurious cities of the Roman world,” the second largest city in the West after Rome. To meet the needs of the city's 300,000 residents, a circus for 60,000 spectators, a theater, an amphitheater, baths and a 132-kilometer aqueduct were built there.

Christianity reached Carthage around the middle of the 2nd century AD. e. and quickly spread throughout the city. Around 155 AD. e. The famous theologian and apologist Tertullian was born in Carthage. Thanks to his works, Latin became the official language of the Western Church. In the 3rd century, Cyprian was the Bishop of Carthage, who introduced a system of seven-tier church hierarchy and died a martyr in 258 AD. e. Another North African, Augustine (354-430), the greatest Christian theologian of antiquity, combined the doctrines of the church with Greek philosophy.

By the beginning of the 5th century AD, the Roman Empire was in decline and the same was happening with Carthage. In 439 AD e. the city was captured and plundered by vandals. A hundred years later, the conquest of the city by the Byzantines temporarily stopped its final fall. In 698 AD e. the city was taken by the Arabs, its stones served as material for the construction of the city of Tunisia. In the following centuries, the marble and granite that once adorned the Roman city were looted and taken out of the country. Later they were used to build cathedrals in Genoa, Pisa, and Canterbury Cathedral in England. Today it is a suburb of Tunisia and an object of tourist pilgrimage.

Carthage today

Just 15 km from Tunisia, on a coast whitened by sea foam, opposite the Bukornina mountain range protecting its peace, stands ancient Carthage.

Carthage was built 2 times. The first time was in 814 BC, by the Phoenician princess Elissa, and was named Carthage, which means “new city” in Punic. Situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean trade routes, it grew rapidly to become the main rival of the Roman Empire.

After the destruction of Carthage by Rome in 146 BC. During the Punic Wars, it was rebuilt as the capital of the Roman colony of Africa and continued to prosper. But it, too, eventually suffered the sad fate of Rome: the powerful cultural and commercial center was overwhelmed by crowds of barbarians in 430, then it was captured by the Byzantines in 533. After the Arab conquest, Carthage gave way to Kairouan, which became the capital of the new Arab state. Carthage was destroyed so many times, but each time it rose again. It’s not for nothing that when it was laid, the skulls of a horse and a bull were found - symbols of strength and wealth.

The city is interesting for its archaeological excavations. During excavations in the so-called Punic quarter, Punic water pipes were discovered under Roman buildings, studies of which showed how cleverly the water supply to tall (even six-story) buildings was carried out. At the beginning of our era, the Romans first leveled the site where the ruins of what was destroyed in 146 BC were located. Carthage, erected expensive retaining fortifications around the hill and built a forum on its flat top.

According to information from ancient history, first-born boys were sacrificed at this place to the patron god of the city, the god Baal-Hammon and the goddess Tanit, starting in the 5th century. BC. The whole ritual is expressively described by Gustave Flaubert in his novel Salammbô. During searches in the territory of Punic burials, archaeologists discovered about 50,000 urns with the remains of infants. On the restored tombstones one can discern the symbols of the gods carved with a chisel, the crescent moon or a stylized female figure with raised hands - the symbol of the goddess Tanit, as well as the sun disk - the symbol of Baal Hammon. Nearby are the harbors of Carthage, which later served the Romans: a commercial harbor in the south and a military harbor in the north.

Attractions

Birsa Hill. Here is the Cathedral of St. Louis. Finds from the excavations are on display at the National Museum of Carthage (Musee National de Carthage) on Birsa Hill.

The baths of Emperor Antoninus Pius in the Archaeological Park attract the greatest attention of tourists in Carthage. They were the largest in the Roman Empire after the Baths of Trajan in Rome. The aristocracy of Carthage met here for relaxation, bathing and business conversations. All that remains of the building itself are a few massive marble seats.

Next to the baths is the summer palace of the beys: today it is the residence of the President of Tunisia.

Hi all!

This review is about the excursion to Carthage (as part of the excursion Carthage-Sidi Bou Said-Bordeaux), I am finishing my series of reviews about traveling to Tunisia! We have already been to many places and everything was cool, interesting and informative! To begin with, I suggest you read my other reviews related to such a wonderful country as TUNISIA!

So, in a new country you always want to learn something new and visit as many places as possible. Well, why not buy an excursion to Carthage?! This is the same story. Very interesting!

We left the hotel at 7.30 in the morning, 2 hours on the road on a comfortable bus and with a very good guide who really loves his job and talks very interestingly, and we are there.




Carthage was built many many thousands of years ago before our era. Can you imagine how long ago it was? This one thought already gives me goosebumps. At that time, several colonies for trade were established on the Tunisian coast. By the 5th century BC, these settlements had become one large maritime power, which was called Carthage. This power was so strong that at the mere mention of its name, the enemies had only one phrase on their minds: " Carthage must be destroyed"Everyone dreamed of destroying such a powerful power, especially the Roman Empire. And it is clear that in the course of many wars, over time, Carthage turned into ruins.

Throughout the 19-20 centuries and to this day, excavations of the ruins of the ancient city continue. Today, anyone who comes to Tunisia can visit these places, but almost no one can see everything at once, because work is underway on one part, and part has a special regime status , the rest is located on a vast territory. It is unrealistic to walk around the entire area in one day, so tourists are better off choosing the most significant objects and studying them, or coming here several times.

Nowadays, the residence of the President of Tunisia is located on the territory of Carthage. The red flag flies high above the trees and can be seen almost everywhere. Nowadays, Carthage is a prestigious suburb of the capital of Tunisia. There are police officers on duty everywhere; they will not allow you to drive on some roads; if the president is at his residence, you will need to go around. That's what our driver did. Many new, beautiful and huge villas are being built. Influential and rich people live and will live there. Everything is very orderly and clean.





So, first we arrived at National Museum of Carthage (Carthage Museum). This is such a small museum where various exhibits discovered during excavations are exhibited - busts, mosaics, coins, there are rooms with ceramics, pottery and much more. Very interesting, especially for history buffs and experts. All exhibits provide an opportunity to touch those great times about which we were told so much and about which we read.

By the way, the biggest plus was that the museum had air conditioning. And for us, after the heat of 36 degrees, it was great to plunge into a cooler atmosphere. So it’s better and more interesting to look at the exhibits, and you listen to the guide more carefully, because there are no thoughts “I better get on the bus, it’s hot.”






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After the museum we walked around the ruins a little, took some photos and went to see Baths of Antonia.

The baths bear the name of Emperor Anthony Pius (138-161 AD) and were erected in memory of the pacification of local nomadic tribes by this Roman emperor in 145-149 AD. X. These baths were the largest in the Roman Empire outside of Rome itself.

On the way to the thermal baths, there are many other remains of buildings in the park. Unfortunately, only the foundation of the so-called baths has survived to this day, which was not a simple pile of stones, but complex buildings and communications located below the “floor level”. The Carthaginian baths of Anthony Pius were decorated with gardens, there were palaestras for gymnastic exercises and halls for relaxation and conversation. The thermal baths also included a huge terrace for sunbathing and an outdoor swimming pool.

The invasion of the North African coast of the Vandals in 439 led to the fact that at the moment the remains of the baths are a sad sight. For a long time, therms were used as sources of building material. From here, tons of famous Numidian precious marble, columns, statues, busts of emperors and members of their families were exported.