Carthage was one of the great cities of the ancient world and home to one of its great civilisations. Founded in the 9th century BC by Phoenicians from Tyre in Lebanon, Carthage soon developed a powerful and wealthy empire across North Africa and the southern Mediterranean. This was based on its expertise in shipbuilding and sailing, using Carthage's excellent harbours, and trade in gold, silver, lead, ivory, African wild animals and other goods. Carthage soon came into conflict with other regional powers - it emerged triumphant from a 200 year war with Greece but was defeated by Rome after the Third Punic War in 146 BC. Much of the city was destroyed but a new Roman city was built at the site in the 1st century AD. Much of the ruins at the site today are from the Roman period such as the Antonine baths and Roman amphitheatre but the Punic ports are reminders of this lost empire.
Location:
Tunisia
Travel to Carthage
