Carthage was founded in 814 BC. e. colonists from the Phoenician city of Tyre. After the fall of Phoenician influence in Western Mediterranean Carthage resubordinates the former Phoenician colonies. By the III century BC. e. he becomes the largest state in the west of the Mediterranean Sea, subjugating southern Spain, northern Africa, Sicily, Sardinia, 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 establish a colony in his place (it was founded after his death). After the conquest of North Africa by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, Carthage became the capital of the Carthaginian Exarchate. It finally lost its name after the conquest by the Arabs.

Location

Carthage is located on a promontory with entrances to the sea in the north and south. The location of the city made it the leader of the maritime trade in the Mediterranean. 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 military fleet, 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 coast, which made the city impregnable from the sea.

The city had a huge cemetery, places of worship, markets, a city hall, towers, and a theater. It was divided into four identical 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 (by some estimates, only Alexandria was larger), and was among the largest cities of antiquity.

State structure

The aristocracy ruled Carthage. The highest body is the council of elders, headed by 10 (later 30) people. The People's Assembly formally also played a significant role, but in fact it was rarely addressed. Around 450 B.C. e. in order to create a counterbalance to the desire of some clans (especially the Magon clan) to gain full control over the council, a council of judges was created. It consisted of 104 people and was originally supposed to judge the rest of the officials after the expiration of their term of office, but subsequently concentrated all power in his hands. The executive (and the 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 the 104 was not elected, but appointed by special commissions - pentarchies, 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 intensified only at the time of the Punic wars and did not have time to play almost no role in history. The whole system was in the highest degree corrupt, but colossal state 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 - the best people, that is, the Senate. And despite the fact that, according to many historians, Carthage was ruled by the 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 emissaries to Tire to perform a sacrifice there in the temple of Melqart. In Carthage, the main deities were the pair of Baal Hammon, whose name means "master-fireman", and Tanit, identified with Astarte.

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

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

social system

The entire population, according to its rights, was divided into several groups according to ethnicity. In the most plight there were Libyans. The territory of Libya was divided into regions subordinate to the strategists, taxes were very high, 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 Sicules - Sicilian Greeks - made up the other part of the population; their rights in the field of political administration were limited by the "Sidon law" (its content is unknown). The Siculi, however, enjoyed freedom of trade. Natives of the Phoenician cities annexed to Carthage enjoyed full civil rights, and the rest of the population (freedmen, settlers - in a word, not Phoenicians) was similar to the Siculs - "Sidon law".

Wealth of Carthage

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

Carthaginian merchants were constantly looking for new markets. Approximately 480 BC. e. navigator Himilcon landed in British Cornwall, rich in tin. And after 30 years, Hanno, a native of an influential Carthaginian family, led an expedition of 60 ships, on which there were 30,000 men and women. People were landed in different parts of the coast to establish new colonies. It is possible that, having sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar and along the coast of Africa, Hanno reached the Gulf of Guinea and even the coast of Cameroon.

Entrepreneurship and business acumen helped Carthage become, admittedly, the richest city. ancient world. At the beginning of the 3rd century [BC. e.] thanks to technology, fleet and trade ... the city moved to the forefront, "says the book" Carthage "(" 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

The army of Carthage was mostly mercenary. The basis of the infantry was Spanish, African, Greek, Gallic mercenaries, the Carthaginian aristocracy served in the "sacred detachment" - heavily armed cavalry. The mercenary cavalry consisted of the Numidians, who were considered the most skilled warriors in antiquity, and the Iberians. The Iberians were also considered good warriors- Balearic slingers and cetratii (caetrati - correlated with Greek peltasts) formed light infantry, scutatii (armed with a spear, dart and bronze shell) - heavy, Spanish heavy cavalry (armed with swords) was also very much appreciated. The Celtiberian tribes used the weapons of the Gauls - long two-edged swords. Elephants also played an important role, which were kept in the amount of about 300. The "technical" equipment of the army (catapults, ballistas, etc.) was also high. In general, the Punic army was similar in composition 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 by 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 people from the Phoenician city of Tyre 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 gem for a piece of land bounded by the skin of a bull, but on the condition that the choice of location remains with her. After the deal was made, the colonists chose a convenient place for the city, ringing it with narrow belts made from a single oxhide.

The authenticity of the legend is unknown, but it seems unlikely that without the favorable attitude of the natives, a handful of settlers could gain a foothold in the territory allotted to them and found a city there. In addition, there is reason to believe that the settlers were representatives of a political party that was not pleasing in their homeland, and they hardly had to rely on 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. Giarb, the leader of the Makaktan tribe, 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 items found during archaeological excavations, at the beginning of its history, trade links connected Carthage with the metropolis, as well as Cyprus and Egypt.

In the VIII century BC. e. the situation in the Mediterranean has changed dramatically. Phoenicia was captured by Assyria and numerous colonies became independent. Assyrian rule caused a massive outflow 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 Ebess 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 resist the advance of the Greeks, the Phoenician colonies began to unite into states. In Sicily - Panorm, Soluent, Motia in 580 BC. e. successfully resisted the Greeks. In Spain, an alliance 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.

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

6th century BC e.

In the 6th century, the Greeks founded the colony of Massalia and made an alliance with Tartessus. Initially, the Punians were defeated, but Magon reformed 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 Tartessos 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, in the Black and Red Seas - and Agriculture based on the widespread use of slave labor. There was a strict regulation of trade - Carthage sought to monopolize trade; to this end, all subjects were obliged to trade only through the mediation of Carthaginian merchants. This brought huge incomes, but greatly hampered the development of subject territories and contributed to the growth of separatist sentiments. During the Greco-Persian wars, Carthage was in alliance with Persia, 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 opponent of the Punians 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 for almost a hundred years (394-306 BC) and ended with the almost complete conquest of Sicily by the Punians.

3rd century BC e.

In the III century BC. e. the interests of Carthage came into conflict with the intensified Roman Republic. Relations, previously allied, began to deteriorate. For the first time this manifested itself at the final stage of the war between Rome and Tarentum. Finally, in 264 BC. e. The First Punic War began. It was conducted mainly in Sicily and at sea. Quite quickly, the Romans captured Sicily, but this was affected by the almost complete absence of a fleet in Rome. 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 suffered 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, elephants brought victory (even though the Romans had already encountered them, fighting against Pyrrhus, king of Epirus). Only in 251 BC. e. in the battle of Panorma (Sicily), the Romans won a big 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 Barka

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 towards the Punians, but in 241 BC. e. Rome, having gathered its strength, was able to put up a new fleet and army. Carthage could no longer resist them and, after the defeat, was forced to make peace, ceding Sicily to Rome, and paying an indemnity of 3,200 talents for 10 years.

After the defeat, Hamilcar resigned, power passed to his political opponents, who were led by Hanno. The Carthaginian government made a highly unreasonable attempt to reduce the pay of the mercenaries, which caused a strong uprising - the Libyans supported the army. Thus began the uprising of mercenaries, 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 Sardinian garrison joined the rebels and, fearing the tribes that lived on the island, recognized the authority of Rome. Carthage demanded the return of the island. Since Rome was looking for an opportunity to destroy Carthage, then under an insignificant pretext in 237 BC. e. declared war. Only by paying 1200 talents to compensate for military expenses, the war was averted.

The apparent inability of the aristocratic government to effectively govern led to the strengthening of the democratic opposition, led by Hamilcar. The People's Assembly gave him 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, his son-in-law Hasdrubal was chosen as the commander-in-chief of the army. For 16 years (236-220 BC), most of Spain was conquered and firmly tied to the metropolis. Silver mines delivered very large incomes, a magnificent army was created in the battles. In general, Carthage became much stronger than it was 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 the spirit of hatred for 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 Sagunt - a Greek city and an ally of Rome - the war began. Unexpectedly for the enemy, Hannibal led his army around through the Alps to the territory of Italy. 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 Cannes, Hannibal won a crushing victory, which resulted in the transition to his side of a significant part of Italy, and the second most important city - Capua. Fighting took place in both Spain and Sicily. Initially, success accompanied Carthage, but then the Romans managed to win a number of important victories. With the death of Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal, who led him significant reinforcements, the situation of Carthage became very complicated. The landing of Mago in Italy was unsuccessful - he was defeated and killed in battle. Rome soon moved the fighting to Africa. Having entered into an alliance with the Numidian king Massinissa, Scipio inflicted a series of defeats on the Punians. Hannibal was called to his homeland. In 202 B.C. 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 Rome Spain and all the islands, maintain only 10 warships and pay 10,000 talents of indemnity. In addition, they did not have the right to fight with anyone without the permission of Rome.

After the end of the war, Gannon, Gisgon and Hasdrubal Gad, hostile to Hannibal, the heads of the aristocratic parties, 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 in the war, which was an ally of Carthage. But there was one more ally - the king of the Seleucid Empire Antiochus. It was in alliance with him that Hannibal expected 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 a Suffet, he provoked a conflict with his political opponents and practically seized sole power. His tough actions against corruption among the aristocratic bureaucracy provoked opposition from them. A denunciation was made to Rome about Hannibal's diplomatic ties 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 practically no powers, despite the great 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 recover quickly and soon became one of the richest cities again. In Rome, trade has long become an essential branch of the economy, the competition of Carthage greatly hindered its development. His quick recovery was also of great concern. Marcus Cato, who was at the head of one of the commissions investigating the disputes of Carthage, managed to convince most of the Senate that he was still a danger. The question of starting the war was resolved, but it was necessary to find a convenient excuse.

The king of the Numidians, Massinissa, constantly attacked the Carthaginian possessions; realizing that Rome always supports the opponents of Carthage, he moved on to direct seizures. All complaints of the Carthaginians were ignored and decided in favor of Numidia. Finally, the Punians were forced to give him a direct military rebuff. Rome immediately filed claims in connection with the outbreak of hostilities without permission. The Roman army arrived at Carthage. The frightened Carthaginians asked for peace, the consul Lucius Censorinus demanded that all weapons be handed over, then demanded that Carthage be destroyed and that a new city be founded far from the sea. After asking for a month to think it over, the Punians 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 difficult siege and heavy fighting. Carthage was completely destroyed, of the 500,000 population, only 50,000 survived. 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 establish 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 Julia". Roman engineers removed about 100,000 cubic meters earth, destroying the top of Birsa to level the surface and destroy 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 300,000 residents of the city, 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. Approximately 155 AD. e. in Carthage, the famous theologian and apologist Tertullian was born. Thanks to his work Latin language became official language Western Church. In the 3rd century, the Bishop of Carthage was Cyprian, who introduced the system of the seven-level church hierarchy and was martyred in 258 AD. e. Another North African, Augustine (354-430), the greatest Christian theologian of antiquity, combined the creeds of the church with Greek philosophy.

By the beginning of the 5th century AD, the Roman Empire was in decline, and so was Carthage. In 439 a.d. e. The city was captured and plundered by the Vandals. A hundred years later, the conquest of the city by the Byzantines temporarily halted its final fall. In 698 a.d. 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 from the country. Later they were used to build cathedrals in Genoa, Pisa, as well as Canterbury Cathedral in England. Today it is a suburb of Tunisia and an object for tourist pilgrimage.

Carthage today

Just 15 km from Tunisia, on the coast, whitewashed with sea foam, opposite the Bucornina mountain range that guards its peace, stands ancient Carthage.

Carthage was built 2 times. The first time - in 814 BC, by the Phoenician princess Elissa, and was named Carthage, which means "new city" in Punic. Located at the crossroads of the Mediterranean trade routes, it grew rapidly, becoming 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 flourish. But in the end, it also suffered the sad fate of Rome: in 430, the powerful cultural and commercial center was overwhelmed by crowds of barbarians, 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. So many times they destroyed Carthage, but each time it rose again. It is not for nothing that during its laying, the skulls of a horse and a bull were found - symbols of strength and wealth.

The city is interesting for archaeological excavations. During excavations in the so-called Punic quarter under Roman buildings, Punic water pipes were discovered, the studies of which showed how ingeniously water was supplied to tall (even six-story) houses. At the beginning of our era, the Romans for the first time leveled the place where the ruins of the destroyed in 146 BC were located. Carthage, put 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 of the city, the god Baal-Hammon and the goddess Tanit, starting from the 5th century. BC. The whole ritual is expressively described by Gustave Flaubert in the novel "Salambo". Archaeologists during the search on the territory of the Punic burials found about 50,000 urns with the remains of babies. On the restored tombstones, one can discern the symbols of the gods carved with a chisel, the crescent of the 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 trading harbor in the south and a military one in the north.

Attractions

Hill of Beers. Here is the Cathedral of St. Louis. The finds made during the excavations are displayed in the National Museum of Carthage (Musee National de Carthage) on Birsa Hill.

The greatest attention of tourists in Carthage is attracted by the baths of Emperor Antoninus Pius in the Archaeological Park. They were the largest in the Roman Empire after the terms of Trajan in Rome. The aristocracy of Carthage met here for recreation, bathing and business conversations. Only a few massive marble seats have survived from the building itself.

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

"Carthage must be destroyed" (lat. Carthago delenda est, Carthaginem delendam esse) - Latin popular expression, meaning an urgent call to fight an enemy or obstacle. In more broad sense- constant return to the same issue, regardless of the general topic of discussion.

Carthage (date Qart Hadasht, lat. Carthago, Arabic قرطاج, Carthage, French Carthage, other Greek Καρχηδών) is an ancient city in Tunisia, near the capital of the country - the city of Tunis, as part of the capital vilayet Tunis.

The name Qart Hadasht (in the Punic notation without vowels Qrthdst) is translated from the Phoenician language as "new city".

Throughout its history, Carthage was the capital of the state of Carthage founded by the Phoenicians, one of the largest powers in the Mediterranean. After the Punic Wars, Carthage was taken and destroyed by the Romans, but then rebuilt and was the most important city of the Roman Empire in the province of Africa, a major cultural and then early Christian church center. Then captured by the Vandals and was the capital of the Vandal kingdom. But after the Arab conquest, it fell into decline again.

Currently, Carthage is a suburb of the Tunisian capital, which houses the presidential residence and the University of Carthage.

In 1831, a society for the study of Carthage was opened in Paris. Since 1874, the excavations of Carthage were carried out under the direction of the French Academy of Inscriptions. Since 1973, Carthage has been explored under the auspices of UNESCO.

Carthaginian state

Carthage founded in 814 BC. e. colonists from the Phoenician city of Tyre. After the fall of the Phoenician influence, Carthage resubordinates the former Phoenician colonies and becomes the capital of the largest state in the Western Mediterranean. By the III century BC. e. the Carthaginian state subjugates southern Spain, northern Africa, western Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica. After a series of wars against Rome (Punic Wars) it lost its conquests and was destroyed in 146 BC. e., its territory was turned into a province of Africa.

Location

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

Roman era

Julius Caesar proposed to establish a Roman colony on the site of the destroyed Carthage (it was founded after his death). Thanks to its convenient location on trade routes, the city soon grew again and became the capital of the Roman province of Africa, which included the lands of present-day northern Tunisia.

After Rome

During the Great Migration and the collapse of the Western Roman Empire North Africa was captured by the Vandals and Alans who made Carthage the capital of their state. This state existed until 534, when the commanders of the Eastern Roman emperor Justinian I returned the African lands of the empire. Carthage became the capital of the Carthaginian Exarchate.

The fall

After the conquest of North Africa Arabs the city of Kairouan, founded by them in 670, became the new center of the Ifriqiya region, and Carthage quickly faded away.

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The meaning of the word carthage

Carthage in the crossword dictionary

Encyclopedic Dictionary, 1998

Carthage

ancient city-state in the North. Africa (near the modern city of Tunisia). Founded in 825 BC. e. the Phoenicians. To the beginning 3rd century, having conquered the North. Africa, Sicily (except Syracuse), Sardinia and South. Spain, turned into a powerful Mediterranean power, which led to a clash between him and Rome. After the defeat in the Punic Wars (264-146 BC), Carthage was destroyed by the Romans (146), the main Carthaginian territory became part of the Roman province of Africa, the rest was transferred to Numidia.

Carthage

Carthage (Qart-ḥada(št),) is a Phoenician state with its capital in the city of the same name, which existed in ancient times in northern Africa, on the territory of modern Tunisia. Name Qart-ḥadašt Qrtḥdst) is translated from Phoenician as " New town". The Latin name for the Phoenician-Carthaginians is Poeni or Puni.

Carthage was founded in 814 BC. e. colonists from the Phoenician city of Tyre. According to legend, the city was founded by Queen Dido, who fled from Fes after her brother Pygmalion, king of Tyre, killed her husband Sychaeus in order to seize his wealth. Throughout the history of Carthage, the inhabitants of the city were famous for their business acumen. According to the legend about the founding of the city, Dido bought as much land from the local tribe as an ox-skin would cover. She cut the skin into narrow straps and, making a circle out of them, took possession of a large piece of land. Therefore, the citadel erected on this site was called Birsa, which means "skin".

After the fall of the Phoenician influence in the Western Mediterranean, Carthage resubordinates the former Phoenician colonies due to the favorable geographic location. By the III century BC. e. he becomes the largest state in the west of the Mediterranean Sea, subjugating southern Spain, the coast of North Africa, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica. After the Punic Wars against Rome, Carthage lost its conquests and was destroyed in 146 BC. e. , its territory was turned into the Roman province of Africa. Julius Caesar offered to establish a colony in his place, which was founded after his death.

In the 420s and 430s, the control of the Western Roman Empire over the province was lost due to separatist rebellions and the capture of Germanic tribe Vandals who founded their kingdom with its capital in Carthage. After the conquest of North Africa by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, the city of Carthage became the capital of the Carthaginian Exarchate. It finally lost its significance after the conquest by the Arabs at the end of the 7th century.

Carthage (disambiguation)

Carthage- ambiguous term:

Carthage is an ancient city-state in North Africa.
Carthage - ancient state in North Africa with its capital in the city of Carthage.
Tunis-Carthage is an international airport in the city of Tunis.
Carthago is a Tunisian airline based at Habib Bourguiba Airport in Monastir.

Carthage (city)

Carthage(date fruit. Qart Hadasht, Carthage,) - an ancient city on the territory of the modern state of Tunisia, near the city of Tunisia.

Carthage- the modern name of the city in which the Museum of Carthage is located. Carthage is part of the Tunis Metropolitan Vilayet. Carthage is currently home to the presidential residence and Carthage University.

Name Qart Hadasht(in Punic notation without vowels qrthdst) is translated from the Phoenician language as "new city".

Throughout its history, Carthage was the capital of the state of Carthage founded by the Phoenicians, one of the largest powers in the Mediterranean. After Carthage was taken and destroyed by the Romans, but then rebuilt and was the most important city of the Roman Empire in the province of Africa, a major cultural, and then early Christian church center. Then captured by the Vandals and was the capital of the Vandal kingdom. But after the Arab conquest, it fell into decline again.

In 1831, a society for the study of Carthage was opened in Paris. Since 1874, the excavations of Carthage were carried out under the direction of the French Academy of Inscriptions. Since 1973, studies of Carthage have been carried out under the auspices of UNESCO.

Examples of the use of the word carthage in the literature.

The voyages of the Phocians to Iberia, the battle of Alalia, intrigues Carthage- all this was.

Then Abdalonim hurried to report on the income that the iron mines of Annaba brought, coral fishing, the production of purple, farming for the collection of tax from those living in Carthage Greeks, the export of silver to Arabia, where it cost ten times more than gold, the capture of ships, minus the tithe for the temple of the goddess.

The next portrait was of Agathocles, who, thanks to his incomparable courage and wisdom, was made king of Sicily and supported the war against Carthage.

Remember, you told me about the wars that our city waged with the Hellenes, about the Sicilian Agathocles, who almost captured Carthage?

While Nicias, considering the capture of Syracuse a difficult matter, persuaded the people to abandon this plan, Alcibiades was already dreaming Carthage and Africa, which were to be followed by Italy and the Peloponnese, and regarded Sicily only as an attack or a path to war.

Must be reported to Carthage and to Iberia, that Hannibal with an army is on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, in Apulia, and is waiting for help for the final defeat of the enemy.

The volunteer ended his confession solemnly: Carthage fell, only ruins remained of Nineveh, dear friend, but still - head up!

Spendius insisted that the siege be started at once. Carthage, but Nar Gavas opposed: they should have moved to the borders first.

For at the time when Hamilcar fought against the Romans in Sicily, Hanno ruled the Libyan possessions Carthage.

Rumor has it that, after Syfax sent against Carthage cavalry, Gannon became more accommodating.

They began to remember that at a time when almost all Carthage supported the ambitious plans of Hannibal, only Gannon kept a sober head and called for friendship with Rome.

Who, if not Gannon, insisted that Hannibal, still a youth, be detained in Carthage, and then, when Hannibal laid siege to Sagunt, he demanded his extradition to the Romans.

Admirers of the political genius of Gannon claimed that ten years ago Gannon foresaw the plight Carthage and the need for an alliance with Syphax, who then gravitated toward the Romans.

By the will of the goddess Juno, who, out of disposition to Carthage wanted to prevent the foundation of Rome, a storm arose and threw the ship to the African coast, where Aeneas affectionately received Dido, who had just founded Carthage.

Next to those delivered specially from Carthage thin-stemmed gold goblets - from which, according to legend, Dido herself drank - stood crude Iberian bowls, decorated with figures of people and animals, or simply with orange, yellow and white lines.

CARTHAGE (Phoenician Karthadasht, literally - the New City; hence the Greek Kaρ - χηδών, Latin Carthago, Cartago, now Cartajanna), an ancient city-state in North Africa (18 km northeast of modern city Tunisia), in the 7th-4th centuries BC, subjugated a significant part of the coast of North Africa, southern Spain and a number of islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It was founded by the Phoenicians from the city of Tire in the last quarter of the 9th century BC. According to mythological tradition, the founder of Carthage was Dido (Elissa), who became the queen of the new city. After her death, the monarchy was abolished.

Due to its convenient geographical position, since the beginning of the 7th century, Carthage has become a major handicraft city and a center of intermediary trade, maintained close ties with the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean, the Aegean basin, the cities of Italy and Tartessus. In the 6th century, the commander Malchus, having defeated the local African population, freed Carthage from paying tribute. The subjugation of other Phoenician cities in Africa is also connected with Malch. In the 60-50s of the 6th century, Malchus led military operations on the island of Sicily, which resulted in the subordination of the Phoenician cities of this island to Carthage. The campaign of the Carthaginians on the island of Sardinia (545-535) ended in failure. As punishment, Malchus was sentenced to exile along with his entire army. In response, the commander arbitrarily returned to Carthage and tried to carry out a coup d'état, which failed, and Malchus was executed. After these events, Magon took the leading position in the state. The Magonids held power for three generations. Their important partners in the center of the Mediterranean were the Etruscans, and in alliance with the Etruscan city of Caere, they ousted the Greeks from the island of Corsica. There was a redistribution of spheres of influence in this region, and Sardinia finally fell under the influence of Carthage. In Spain, the Carthaginians destroyed Tartessos and subjugated the remnants of the Tartessian state. They also tried to capture Sicily, but in 480 they were defeated, retaining its western part. A powerful Carthaginian state arose.

Ancient authors write about Carthaginian diversified agriculture. A complex socio-political system of Carthage was formed. There was an opposition of Carthaginian citizens to the rest of the population of the state. The community of citizens consisted of two groups - "powerful", that is, the aristocracy, and "small", as the lower strata of citizens were called. In relation to slaves and other categories of the subordinate population, citizens acted as a close-knit association. The material basis of the civil community was communal property, which appeared in two forms: as the property of the entire community (for example, arsenals, shipyards, etc.) and as the property of individual citizens. The property of citizens was predominantly small and medium. Large proprietors owned several relatively small estates.

Around the middle of the 5th century BC, the power of the Magonids was overthrown. Carthage became an aristocratic republic. The supreme power officially belonged to the people, but in practice it was in the hands of 2 councils (the first - more numerous and the second - consisting of 100 or 104 members; perhaps the latter was a kind of permanent body under the former). An important role in the management was played by pentarchies (commissions of five members), which were not elected, but themselves co-opted their members, who retained influence even after their tenure in the commissions. The highest executive power was two Suffets, elected for a year (they could be re-elected more than once). Basic military force there was a mercenary army, but the citizens of Carthage themselves were involved in military service(for example, the fleet was recruited from citizens). Citizens were elected to the highest posts in the state, taking into account the property qualification, which sharply reduced the number of people actually admitted to power.

The core of the Carthaginian state was Carthage with the territory directly subordinated to it, and the colonies it brought out. The colonies previously withdrawn by Tire were also subordinate to Carthage, although some of them were officially considered equal with Carthage. The Phoenician colonies (Utica, Hippo, Leptis Magna, Leptis Minor, etc.), which were part of the Carthaginian state, had a social and political structure close to Carthage and, apparently, enjoyed internal autonomy. They had to pay the Carthaginian authorities a tax-duty from their trade. The next category of territories subordinated to Carthage were "subjects". For the most part, Carthage did not interfere in their internal life, preserving their socio-political structure and limiting themselves to taking hostages. But sometimes the Carthaginians established "direct" control through their representatives, forcibly attracting the inhabitants of these territories to military service and imposing heavy taxes. The arbitrariness of the Carthaginian officials increased. Another category is "allies". They were deprived of foreign policy initiative and had to supply contingents to the Carthaginian army. A tax was imposed on them (although probably less than the tax on subjects), their loyalty was also ensured by taking hostages. Attempts by the "allies" to evade their duties were perceived as a rebellion. The existence of such a structure of the Carthaginian state was beneficial not only to the ruling elite, but also to wide sections of the citizens of Carthage. Many citizens went to the colonies and other subordinate cities and territories both as settlers and as officials, which gave them the opportunity to dramatically improve their financial situation. Wide sections of Carthaginian artisans and especially merchants benefited from maritime and commercial predominance.

The Carthaginian state arose as a result of a fierce struggle between the Carthaginians, both with the local population (Libyans, Numidians, etc.), and with their rivals - the Greeks (especially in Sicily). Wars with the Sicilian Greeks went on with varying success. The border between the Carthaginian and Greek parts of the island moved from one side to the other, but on the whole the division of Sicily into two parts remained unchanged.

In 264 BC, the first war began with the main rival of Carthage in the Western Mediterranean - Rome (see Punic Wars; since the Romans called the Carthaginians Puns, the wars were called Punic). As a result of the 1st Punic War (264-241), Carthage lost Sicily. This led to a social and political crisis, an uprising of mercenaries joined by slaves, Libyans and Numidians. The uprising spread to Sardinia and Spain. Only with great efforts, using cunning diplomacy and incredible cruelty, Hamilcar Barca, who stood at the head of the army, managed to defeat the enemies. Carthage was forced to cede Sardinia to Rome. There was a split among the ruling oligarchy. The Barkids (members of Hamilcar Barca's family) and their supporters were in favor of preparing new war with Rome, for the restoration of the dominant position of Carthage in the Western Mediterranean. Their interests coincided with the interests of broad sections of citizens who were also interested in revenge. On this basis, an alliance arose between the Barkids and the democratic "party" (led by Hasdrubal).

Hamilcar and his successors restored and expanded the Carthaginian possessions in Spain. Hamilcar's son Hannibal, who led the army, attacked the city of Sagunt, which was in alliance with Rome. This attack was a clear provocation, calculated to be a response from Rome. The 2nd Punic War began (218-201), which, despite the brilliant passage of Hannibal through the Pyrenees and the Alps and victories in a number of battles in Italy, including Cannes (216), ended with the defeat of the Carthaginian army. Under the terms of the treaty, the Carthaginians had to pay a huge indemnity, hand over the entire navy, renounce all non-African possessions, and recognize the independence of Numidia in Africa itself. Carthage actually became a protectorate of Rome.

Carthaginian possessions were reduced to a relatively small urban area. The authorities lost the ability to maintain the well-being of citizens at the expense of subordinate peoples and territories, which led to a new social and political crisis. In 195, Hannibal, elected Suffet, carried out a political reform that limited the power of the oligarchy and opened the way to power, on the one hand, for wide sections of the civilian population, and on the other, for demagogues who could take advantage of the movement of these layers.

The further development of Carthage was interrupted by the 3rd Punic War (149-146). In 146, after a three-year siege, Roman soldiers broke into the city. Fierce battles unfolded on its streets. The last stronghold of the defenders - the temple of Eshmun - was set on fire by the besieged themselves, preferring death to slavery. Most of the Carthaginians died, 500 thousand survivors were turned into slaves. Carthage was destroyed to the ground, and the place was plowed up and sown with salt as a sign of eternal damnation. Part of the Carthaginian territory was transferred to the Numidians, the other was turned into the Roman province of Africa.

Under Julius Caesar (44 BC) and Augustus (29 BC), the Roman colony Colonia Iulia Carthago was founded on the site of ancient Carthage, which turned into a large Mediterranean city and port (especially intensive construction was carried out under the Roman emperors Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Septimius North). In 439 AD it was destroyed by the Vandals, in 533-698 it was part of Byzantium. In 698 conquered by the Arabs.

Lit.: Gsell S. Histoire ancienne de l'Afrique du Nord. R., 1913-1928. Vol. 1-8; Acquaro E. Cartagine: un impero sul Mediterraneo. Rome, 1978; Harden D. The Phoenicians. Harmondsworth, 1980; Korablev I. Sh. Hannibal. M., 1981; Tsirkin Yu. B. Carthage and its culture. M., 1986; Blázquez J. M., Alvar J., Wagper C. G. Fenicios y cartagineses en el Mediterraneo. Madrid, 1999; Huss W. Die Karthager. 3. Aufl. Munich, 2004; Shifman I. Sh. Carthage. SPb., 2006.

Yu. B. Tsirkin.

Art. Written sources, and archaeological excavations, begun in the 19th century, allow in general terms to restore the location of the Punic city of Carthage. It was surrounded by a moat and two powerful walls with towers. It consisted of three parts: located on the hills of the "Upper City" (the citadel of Birs with the temple of the god Eshmun) - the political and religious center; "Lower City", located near the harbors; rural suburb of Megara. The ruins of a whole quarter, the remains of 2 harbors and, possibly, the embankment have been preserved. The excavations of the necropolises uncovered a number of burials dating back to the 7th-2nd centuries BC, many of which had a rich inventory - bronze art objects, jewelry, clay lamps, vessels, figurines, masks. There are imported objects - Egyptian amulets, Corinthian vases, etc. Of interest are sarcophagi with a sculptural image of a person, created under the strong influence of Egyptian and Greek art; a number of items also testify to connections with ancient Italy, mainly with Etruria. The monuments of local art include numerous stelae made of limestone, less often of marble, dedicated to the Phoenician gods Tanit and Baal-Amon. The range of works of Punic art also includes monuments of other cities of the Carthaginian state - Dugga, Utiki, etc.

The art of Carthage of the Roman period is in many ways close to the art of other North African centers: Volubilis and Tingis (now Tangier) in modern Morocco, Caesarea (now Sherchel) in modern Algeria, etc. The architecture of the 2nd-3rd centuries AD is characterized by a desire for luxury and grandiosity. A rectangular network of streets was created in the city; on the hill of Byrsa the Capitol was built, which was surrounded by powerful retaining walls with terraces connected by stairs and decorated with statues; on the site of the temple of the god Eshnum, the temple of Aesculapius was erected. A theater and an odeon were built in the city itself, a circus (about 60 thousand spectators) and an amphitheater were built on the outskirts, which, according to Arab writers, had 5 tiers with arcades decorated with sculptural images of animals, ships, etc. In 131-161, baths were built , which included a huge central hall, lounges on the lower floor and bath rooms on the upper. Inside the baths were decorated with mosaics, marble facings and statues. In the architecture of private houses, the desire to adapt the Hellenistic-Roman peristyle house to the African climate is noticeable. The houses usually had pools and small sanctuaries, often decorated with frescoes and mosaics. Decorative and tomb sculpture became widespread.

Lit.: Audollent A. Carthage romaine. R., 1901; Lezine A. Carthage. Utique: Etudes d'architecture et d'urbanisme. R., 1968; Cintas R. Manuel d'archeologie punique. R., 1970-1976. Vol. 1-2; Benichou-Safar H. Les tombes puniques de Carthage. R., 1982; Lancel S. Carthage. R., 1992.

Tunisia Coordinates Coordinates : / (G)(O)36.861111 , 10.331667 36°51′40″ s. sh. 10°19′54″ E d. / 36.861111° N. sh. 10.331667° E d.(G)(O) Foundation date 814 BC The first Jewish settlement 146 BC

Carthage
Phoenician state

814 BC e. - 146 BC e.

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Capital

Carthage

Languages)

Phoenician

Continuity

Roman Republic →

Carthage (Qart-ḥada(št)) is a Phoenician state with a capital in the city of the same name, which existed in ancient times in northern Africa, on the territory of modern Tunisia.

Of particular interest to the Jews because of the Phoenician origin of its inhabitants, its rulers, called "suffets"(cf. Hebrew "שופטים" (judges)), and because of the religion of the inhabitants.

Origin of the name and mention in Jewish sources

Name Qart-ḥadašt(in Punic notation without vowels Qrtḥdst) is translated from the Phoenician language as "new city".

The name of the city in ancient Jewish documents

The city called קרת חדשת "("New City") in the original spelling, is mentioned in Jewish documents of Talmudic times only as " קרתגיני "("Ḳarthigini"), The name is equivalent to the Byzantine form Kaρθαγένη and according to Siriacus, the Greek form Kαρχηδών was introduced later.

Despite the peculiar form, perhaps chosen with reference to the founder of Dido (" קרתא " + γυνή , "City Woman"), the Hebrew word certainly defines Carthage in Africa, not Cartagena in Spain. Later Jewish chronicles, which place the founding of Carthage in the time of David, use the variant "Ḳarṭagena" "Ḳarṭigini" (with ט instead of ח , sometimes even in the Talmud, "David Hans" by 3882), "Ḳartini" and "Ḳartigni", sometimes adding the curious remark that the Talmud refers to two cities of Carthage, which, however, is erroneous.

Carthage in the books of Josephus

But widespread rabbinical legend identifies the land of the Amazons with Carthage (Lev. XXVII R.1) or with Africa (Tamid 32b), in both cases according to classical tradition.

Carthage was recognized as one of the four largest cities of the Roman Empire. Amora of the third century gave the following curious sentence: "From Tyre to Carthage, Israel and his "father in heaven" are known; from Tyre to the west and from Carthage to the east, Israel and his God are not known", which probably indicates an indication of the area of \u200b\u200bdistribution of the Semitic race .

Story

Carthage was founded in 814 BC. e. colonists from the city of Tire on the site of the present city of Tunis. The location of the city (almost in the center of the Mediterranean Sea) made it the leader of the Mediterranean maritime trade.