The Carthaginian Empire
Carthage, founded by Phoenician colonists in the 9th century BCE, grew to become the dominant maritime power in the Mediterranean. Located in modern-day Tunisia, Carthage established a vast commercial empire with colonies across North Africa, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Spain.
The Carthaginians were renowned for their advanced naval technology, impressive harbor engineering, and prosperous trade networks that stretched across the Mediterranean world. Their capital city featured a double harbor system that was considered an engineering marvel of the ancient world.
Polybios: Historian of Carthage
The Greek historian Polybios (c. 200–118 BCE) provides our most complete contemporary account of Hannibal's campaigns and the Punic Wars. As a political hostage in Rome, he gained unique access to Roman and Carthaginian sources, creating balanced historical records that remain invaluable today.
Polybios' Histories particularly shine when detailing:
- Hannibal's Alpine crossing (Book 3)
- The political structure of Carthage (Book 6)
- The Battle of Cannae (Book 3)
- Comparative analysis of Roman vs. Carthaginian tactics
Hannibal's Legacy
Hannibal Barca (247-183 BCE), son of Hamilcar Barca, is considered one of the greatest military commanders in history. His most famous achievement was leading the Carthaginian army, including war elephants, across the Alps to attack Rome during the Second Punic War (218-201 BCE).
Military Genius
Hannibal won several decisive victories against Rome, including the Battle of Cannae where he encircled and annihilated a much larger Roman force.
Strategic Mastery
His use of terrain, psychological warfare, and understanding of enemy weaknesses made him nearly invincible on the battlefield.
The Alpine Crossing
In 218 BCE, Hannibal led 38,000 infantry, 8,000 cavalry, and 37 war elephants through the treacherous Alps to surprise Rome from the north.
Enduring Legacy
Hannibal's tactics are still studied in military academies worldwide, and he remains a symbol of strategic brilliance and determination.
Historical Timeline
Traditional founding date of Carthage by Phoenician settlers from Tyre.
First Punic War begins between Rome and Carthage over control of Sicily.
Hannibal Barca is born in Carthage (modern-day Tunisia).
Hannibal begins his legendary crossing of the Alps to attack Rome.
Battle of Cannae - Hannibal defeats a Roman army twice his size.
Battle of Zama - Hannibal is defeated by Scipio Africanus.
Destruction of Carthage by Rome after the Third Punic War.
Carthaginian Civilization
The Carthaginians developed a sophisticated society with:
- Advanced shipbuilding and navigation techniques
- Innovative agricultural practices documented in Mago's 28-volume treatise
- A unique political system with elected leaders (Suffetes) and councils
- Impressive architecture including the circular military harbor (Cothon)
- Religious practices centered on deities like Baal Hammon and Tanit
Despite Rome's systematic destruction of Carthage, archaeological excavations in modern Tunisia continue to reveal the grandeur of this ancient civilization, including the famous Tophet sanctuary and the Antonine Baths.
The Capital: Carthage
At the heart of this vast empire stood its namesake capital, Carthage, strategically positioned on the Gulf of Tunis. This aerial view reveals the city's legendary dual harbors - the outer commercial port welcoming ships from across the Mediterranean, and the inner circular Cothon that sheltered Carthage's formidable navy. The towering Byrsa citadel, visible at center, housed the city's most sacred temples and served as the political nucleus where suffetes (elected leaders) governed. Notice how the city walls extend toward the fertile hinterlands that fed Carthage's population of half a million, while seaward fortifications protected against naval assaults.
Visualizing Punic Carthage
This interactive reconstruction reveals how Carthage appeared at its zenith (3rd century BCE), when Polybios would have known it. Explore these key features:
