Carthage

History

Carthage (Karchēdṓn, Etruscan Karθazie; from the Phoenician-Punic Qart-Ḥadašt) was a metropolis in North Africa near today's Tunis in Tunisia. In ancient times, it was first the capital of the naval and commercial power of the same name. The inhabitants were referred to by the Romans as "Puniers" (derived from "Phoenicians"). After the destruction of Carthage by the Romans, the Carthaginian Empire was dissolved in 146 BC and merged into the Roman Empire.

A Roman Carthage was re-established under Gaius Iulius Caesar in the 1st century BC and soon became a major city again. The name Qart-Ḥadašt (in Punic writing without vowels Qrt-dšt) is translated from Phoenician as "new city". This could either refer to Carthage being a sub-colony or a new foundation.

Founding and Early History

The founding of Carthage is attributed to the Tyre princess Alyssa, Elissa, or Dido. However, her historicity has been questioned. According to the records of Timaeus of Taormina, Dido was forced to flee from her brother Pygmalion and eventually founded Carthage around 814 BC.

Significance

Carthage was the most important trading center of the ancient Mediterranean and one of the richest cities of antiquity, with its wealth peaking by 500 BC. Throughout its history, it was the capital of the Phoenician-founded state of Carthage, which dominated much of the southwestern Mediterranean during the first millennium BC.

Modern Era

Today, Carthage is a suburb of Tunis and an archaeological site that was added to the World Heritage List in 1979. The site is a tourist attraction and features a presidential residence in Cartage, as well as the Carthage Museum.

Etymology

The name "Carthage" goes back to the Phoenician-Punic form qart hadašt and means “new city”.