Carthage Through the Ages Flashcards
what was the Magreb like at the start of the Bronze Age?
it was part of Northern Africa with desert conditions, starting to connect with the wider world through island hopping, with limited technology
what evidence indicates early connections between the Magreb and Sicily?
archaeological evidence of stones brought from Sicily around Cape Bone
who led the Phoenician expansion and why?
wealthy city-states like Tyre, under pressure from Assyrian demands, expanded as a trade network rather than through extensive colonisation
what was unique about Carthage in the context of Phoenician expansion?
unlike other trading posts, Carthage was established as a colony, not just a trade connection
what does the name Qārthadāšt mean, and when was Carthage founded?
Qārthadāšt means ‘new city’ in ancient Phoenician, founded in the 9th century BC.
where were the earliest settlements in Carthage located?
on the slopes of Byrsa, the central citadel of Carthage (parallel to the Acropolis in Athens)
describe the layout of Punic Carthage around the 5th-2nd century BC
Byrsa citadel at the heart, with a ‘Tophet’ religious zone and harbours to the southeast
what was the estimated population of Carthage in the 2nd century BC?
between 50,000 and 300,000
how did Carthage expand its connections and territory?
through gradual expansion into surrounding regions, significant influence in the western Mediterranean, and annexation of land in Sardinia
what maintained Carthage’s cultural connections to the Levant?
particularly in religion, even as it expanded into the Magreb and other regions
what do we know about the Carthaginian government structure?
it was a republic with power mainly in the hands of elites, featuring annually elected magistrates called ‘sufetes’ and a council known as ‘adirim.’
how do Greek and Roman authors’ perspectives affect our understanding of Carthaginian politics?
they use Greek and Roman terms that may not accurately represent Carthaginian forms, often colored by their own biases
what marked the end of Carthaginian dominance in the western Mediterranean?
the Punic Wars, particularly the loss in the Third Punic War and the destruction of Carthage in 146 BC
what happened to Carthage after its destruction in 146 BC?
there was a population collapse and unsuccessful attempts at re-colonisation until the Augustan period
how was Carthage re-founded in the Augustan period?
the Byrsa was leveled, a massive forum was constructed, and Carthage was symbolically rebuilt as a Roman city.
what role does Virgil’s Aeneid play in the narrative of Carthage’s foundation?
it integrates Carthage into the myth of Aeneas’ travels, consolidating Augustus’ rule by rebuilding Carthage as Roman.
what were the key features of Roman Carthage in the 2nd century AD?
it had a large forum, the third-largest basilica in the empire, the second-largest circus after Rome, and redesigned Punic harbours
what economic boom did Carthage experience in the mid/late 2nd century AD?
the ‘African Boom,’ marked by massive exports of goods like ceramics, olive oil, and grain, making Carthage a vital hub for the Roman Empire.
what was the ‘Tophet’ in Carthaginian religion?
a religious zone and burial ground for cremated children and animals, with votives to Baal Hammon and Tanit.
how was the ‘Tophet’ re-evaluated in the 90s regarding its function in the Roman period?
it was concluded that the zone remained a monumentalised religious area rather than being converted to non-religious uses.
what changes occurred in Carthage during the late Roman Empire?
it remained an economic hub, became significant in Christian religious developments, and faced debates over the nature of Christianity.
what happened to Carthage and North Africa in late antiquity?
Vandals moved in during the mid-5th century, followed by Byzantine reconquest in AD 533, leading to probable population and trade decreases.
how is the history of Carthage connected to the history of the Mediterranean and Roman Empire?
Carthage’s history reflects increasing Mediterranean connectivity, the rise of Rome, and the dynamics of Roman imperialism and transformation.
what does Carthage’s role in late antiquity suggest about the continuation of historical narratives?
the arrival of the Vandals starts a new chapter while continuing themes of connectivity and transformation within the region.
