Carthage's Founding
In the legend, ancient Carthage was said to be founded by Phoenician queen Elissa, or better known as Dido. She founded the powerful trading city in 813 B.C.E. The city resided where modern day Tunisia is in Northern Africa. Originally, the city of Carthage was known as Kart-hadasht which meant "new city." The Greeks originally called Carthage "Karchedon," which later the Romans turned into "Carthego." Carthage originally was a small port city used as a stopping place for Phoenician traders to resupply and fix their ships.
Ancient Carthage was known for becoming the richest city in the Mediterranean within one hundred years of its founding. Carthage gained most of its wealth from its citizens. Most of Carthage's citizens were Tyrians who had fled the city of Tyre. The Tyrians that were rich enough to buy their lives were spared by Alexander the Great, and they fled to Carthage. In Carthage, the Carthaginians forced many of the native Africans to flee or to become slaves.
Ancient Carthage was known for becoming the richest city in the Mediterranean within one hundred years of its founding. Carthage gained most of its wealth from its citizens. Most of Carthage's citizens were Tyrians who had fled the city of Tyre. The Tyrians that were rich enough to buy their lives were spared by Alexander the Great, and they fled to Carthage. In Carthage, the Carthaginians forced many of the native Africans to flee or to become slaves.
Over many years, Carthage grew from a small town on the Mediterranean coast, to a large, rich, and powerful civilization. The harbor, where the trading occurred, was massive in size with 220 docks. It was also decorated with gleaming columns and beautiful Greek sculptures. Carthaginian ships sailed out daily to trade with other ports around the Mediterranean and Carthage was well protected by its strong and powerful navy.
Quickly, Carthage became one of the most strongest and powerful trading cities in the entire Mediterranean. Carthage still is remembered as one of the greatest trading cities ever and leaves a great legacy.
Quickly, Carthage became one of the most strongest and powerful trading cities in the entire Mediterranean. Carthage still is remembered as one of the greatest trading cities ever and leaves a great legacy.