Exploring the Remnants of Carthage, an Ancient Metropolis in Modern-day Tunisia
The Founding of Carthage and Its Fateful Fall
In the heart of modern-day Tunisia lies the ancient city of Carthage, a Phoenician settlement with a rich and storied history that dates back to the 9th century BC. Traditionally, the city is said to have been founded by a Phoenician princess named Dido, also known as Elissa, who fled her home city of Tyre (modern-day Lebanon) to escape her brother Pygmalion.
Upon arriving on the Tunisian coast, Dido cleverly acquired land by negotiating for as much as could be enclosed by a bull's hide. She cut the hide into thin strips to encircle a large area, where she established the city of Carthage, or Qart Hadasht ("the new city"). This tale of cunning land acquisition is a part of the legendary story of Dido, a story that is romanticized in Virgil's Aeneid, but is interpreted as myth and legend rather than factual history.
The city of Carthage flourished, becoming a major power in the Mediterranean. However, its history was marred by conflict, particularly with the Roman Empire. The Punic Wars, a series of conflicts between the Roman and Carthaginian Empires, lasted from 264 BCE to 146 BCE. The First Punic War was triggered by Rome's desire to take over Sicily, where the Carthaginians had a stronghold. The Second Punic War was instigated by the Carthaginian general Hannibal, and the Third Punic War resulted in the defeat of the Carthaginian Empire by Roman forces led by Scipio Africanus.
During the Third Punic War, Carthage was under siege for three years before it was looted and most of its inhabitants were slaughtered. Not much of the ancient city survives today due to the Romans' near total destruction of it. Some of the best-preserved ruins of Carthage can be found on Byrsa Hill, the heart of the ancient city.
In the aftermath of the fall of Carthage, about 50,000 Carthaginians were taken into slavery. One intriguing, yet controversial, site is the Tophet of Salammbo, a cemetery on Byrsa Hill, which may be the resting place of children used as ritual sacrifices. However, this could be a persistent piece of Roman propaganda.
In summary, while the exact individual founders of Carthage may remain unknown, archaeological and historical evidence supports that it was indeed founded by Phoenician colonists. The story of Dido in Virgil's Aeneid is a legendary and literary tradition rather than an accurate historical record of Carthage’s founding. The fall of Carthage marked a significant turning point in history, with profound implications for the Mediterranean world and beyond.
[1] S. Hornblower, A. Spawforth, E. Eidinow (eds.), The Oxford Classical Dictionary (4th edn., 2012) [2] M. Grant, A History of Rome (6th edn., 2005) [4] J. Boardman, N. G. L. Hammond, E. S. Rawson (eds.), The Oxford History of the Classical World (3rd edn., 1986)
Amidst the spectrum of modern-day lifestyles, one might find inspiration in the art of home-and-garden design, incorporating elements reminiscent of the ancient city of Carthage. For instance, a Phoenician tile mosaic could serve as a striking centerpiece in a contemporary living room, artfully reflecting the city's storied past.
In the realm of home decor, a tasteful blend of ancient tapestries and modern furniture could create an enchanting ambiance, evoking the rich history of Carthage, while maintaining the contemporary elegance of today's homes.
