Tunisia. Carthage must be destroyed. Carthage. History of the Phoenicians in North Africa Tunisia excursion to Carthage

Carthage is an ancient city that has known prosperity and power, complete destruction, revival and decline. For a long period of time, its ruins rested underground and only in the second half of the 19th century. gradually began to open up to the world. The archaeological park is considered one of the main attractions of Tunisia, so thousands of tourists from all over the world come here. In 1979, the site was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Former Carthage

The favorable geographical position and business acumen of the Carthaginians turned the city into the capital of a powerful state, which became in the 3rd century. the largest in the Western Mediterranean and one of the richest in the Ancient World. Local residents were engaged in trade and natural exchange, production, handicrafts and agriculture. Sea and land trade routes converged in Carthage, since its harbors were capable of receiving a large number of ships, which certainly stopped here when crossing the strait between the African continent and the island of Sicily.

The Carthaginians had their own fleet and army, minted their own coins, imposed high taxes on the inhabitants of the annexed territories, without giving them the slightest concessions and brutally suppressing uprisings. The city contained markets, places of worship, a municipality, a cemetery, four residential areas, observation towers and the high citadel of Birsa. The territory was surrounded by a 37-kilometer-long fortress wall up to 12 meters high.

Carthage must be destroyed

Competition and the rapid restoration of Carthage's economic power after the two Punic Wars irritated the Romans, accompanied by calls to fight the enemy. Plutarch in his writings mentions who was the first to say “Carthage must be destroyed.” He attributes the authorship to Cato the Censor, who came from a plebeian family, who managed to achieve high government positions and became famous for his public speeches. He ended all his speeches in the Senate with the catchphrase that has become today, even when their topic was completely different.

"Carthage must be destroyed" in Latin is "Carthaginem esse delendam".

Who destroyed Carthage

The city was razed to the ground in 146 BC. e. during the Third Punic War. Having entered Carthage after a long siege and captured the last line of defense - the citadel of Birsu, the Romans plundered, set fire to and then completely destroyed the Punic capital. The land was generously sprinkled with salt, the captives were sold into slavery, a ban was imposed on the settlement of this place under pain of curse, after which the territory was annexed to the Roman provinces.

City in ruins

The favorable geographical location of the destroyed Carthage did not give the Romans any rest. The idea of ​​founding a colonial city in its place was voiced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC. e., and 17 years later it was implemented by the first Roman emperor Octavian Augustus. Built on an artificial “cushion,” Roman Carthage—Colonia Julia Carthago—was settled and became the capital of the province of Africa. In the 5th century it was partially destroyed by vandals, and in the 7th century. - completely destroyed by the Arabs.

Excursions

As part of the offer, tourists can visit Carthage, Sidi Bou Said and the city of Tunis. It is recommended to take drinking water, cameras, video cameras or modern gadgets, as well as cash to buy souvenirs, hats and sunglasses. Clothes and shoes should be comfortable.

For independent visits to the archaeological park, it is recommended to stay for a couple of days in Tunis or Carthage.

Where is Carthage

The archaeological zone is located in the north-west of the metropolitan vilayet of Tunisia, the most compact province of the North African country of the same name. The central part of ancient Carthage rises on a hill from which magnificent views of the Gulf of Tunis open. The territory belongs to Carthage County.

City of Carthage: history

Many works have been written and many films have been made about the events related to the founding, development, wars, colonies and fall of ancient Carthage. But its history requires further study.

Ancient Carthage

Most often, the founding date of the city is 814-13. BC e. During this period, the future Carthaginian queen Dido landed on the southern shore of the Mediterranean Sea along with her comrades. She fled from Tyre from the persecution of her brother Pygmalion, who killed her husband in order to seize his wealth.

When purchasing land for a settlement from the king of the local tribe, Iarbantus, Dido used a cunning plan. She was allowed to purchase only the area that would cover the skin of the ox. The legendary queen cut it into thin strips and surrounded them with a hill, where the citadel of Birsa was subsequently built.

Five centuries later, Carthage became a developed, powerful city. It was well fortified from land and impregnable from the sea. Before the start of the Punic Wars, almost half a million people lived here.

Wars with Rome

By the 3rd century. BC e. The Apennine Peninsula came under Roman rule, and Carthage controlled the western Mediterranean. The former did not want to put up with dominance over the straits of the latter and obey their rules, because the forces of the mighty powers at that time were practically equal. A serious conflict, leading to a series of armed clashes, broke out over the possession of Sicily. The three Punic Wars continued intermittently from 264 to 146. (the Romans called the Phoenicians who settled in North Africa as Punes).

The First Punic War ended 23 years later with the victory of the Roman Republic. As a result, the Carthaginians were forced to abandon Sicily in favor of the Romans and pay them indemnities. But contradictions between the powers remained.

The Second Punic War was unleashed by Rome's sworn enemy Hannibal in 221-20. BC e. He entered Italian territory from the north, through the Alps and Apennines, defeated several troops directed against him and proceeded in triumph to the very south. In August 216 BC. e. at the Battle of Cannae (Apulia), the commander dealt a crushing blow to the Roman army. However, the last stage of the war ended with a general battle in Africa in 202 BC. e. victory of the Romans. Carthage lost all its overseas colonies and fleet, paid huge indemnities and was deprived of the right to wage war without the consent of Rome.

The reason for the outbreak of the Third Punic War in 149 BC. e. There was an armed conflict between Carthage and the Numidian king Massinissa, who constantly provoked the Carthaginians. Rome took advantage of the violation of the treaty and sent its army to Africa. The siege of Carthage lasted until the spring of 146 BC. e. and ended in his defeat and destruction.

Rome and Carthage

The Roman era in Carthage began in 29 BC. e. To completely eliminate traces of the Poons, the top of Birsa was cut off and the surrounding area was leveled. A forum was organized in the center, a grid of parallel-perpendicular streets was laid out from it, public and residential buildings were built, temples were erected and an aqueduct was laid. The capital of the province of Africa was moved here, and as a result the population grew to several hundred thousand people. By the 3rd century. the city turned into one of the largest policies in the Roman Empire and became the center of early Christianity. The Romans controlled Carthage until 439.

After Rome

The weakening of the Western Roman Empire also affected Carthage. In the 5th century Control over the province was lost, and the city was captured by the Vandals, declaring it the residence of their king. In 534, the Byzantines reconquered the lands, forming the African Exarchate with its capital in Carthage. It existed until the Arabs captured the territory. In 698, the city finally fell - houses and the aqueduct were destroyed, agricultural land was destroyed, and the harbors were abandoned.

At the end of the 19th century. Tunisia found itself under French protectorate. From that moment on, archaeologists became interested in ancient Carthage.

Ruins and landmarks

The exact location of Carthage was determined in the first half of the 19th century. to the Danish consul K. Falbe, who transferred the plan of the ruins to the map. Excavations began in 1857 under the leadership of the Frenchman C. Boehle, and their active phase occurred at the turn of the 19th - 20th centuries. The finds presented in the park mainly date back to the Roman period. Of the Punic objects, necropolises and a small number of artifacts have been preserved.

Birsa District

On the steep hill of the same name, 60 m high, there was a Carthaginian citadel, which became the last stronghold of the city’s defenders in 146 BC. e. Then 50 thousand inhabitants managed to hide in it. Many surrendered and were enslaved, the rest chose to die in the fire of the Eshmun temple they set on fire.

Today, on the site of the citadel there are remains of Roman buildings. However, on the sides of Birsa, under the layers of the embankment erected by the colonists, it was possible to discover the ruins of Punic Carthage. On the south side you can see the “Hannibal Quarter”, freed from layers, with the remains of residential buildings and well-planned streets. It is assumed that small buildings rose up to 6 floors, and cisterns in the basements served to collect water. During excavations on the slopes of Birsa, deep settling basins and pools were found, where wastewater was discharged through an ancient sewer network.

On Birsa there are:

• Catholic Cathedral of St. Louis - built in the 1890s. and was consecrated in honor of Louis IX, who died suddenly in Tunisia during the Crusade in 1270. Currently, concerts are held in the temple;
• National Museum of Carthage - founded in 1875. The collection presents archaeological finds from the Punic, Roman, ancient Christian and Byzantine periods.

Artifacts found during excavations are placed in the open area - parts of columns and statues, capitals, etc. The Museum of Early Christianity is located nearby.

In the 1990s, a 4.7 m deep shaft leading to a burial crypt was accidentally discovered on Birsa. In one of the two sarcophagi lay the remains of a European youth, who was given the name Arish. Subsequently, his appearance was reconstructed in the form of a wax figure. The find is dated to the 6th century. BC e.

Amphitheater

The rapidly growing city required the organization of mass spectacles, and therefore in the 2nd century. a huge amphitheater with a capacity of up to 50 thousand people was erected. Fights were held in the arena, and during the period of persecution of Christians, public executions were held, as evidenced by a marble column with a memorial inscription. The amphitheater of Carthage was destroyed by vandals in the 5th century.

Cisterns of La Magla (Maalga)

A perfectly preserved complex of covered reservoirs, intended for collecting and storing water, is located near the amphitheater. The huge parallel cisterns were built in the Roman era and restored at the end of the 19th century. Their total length is more than 800 m, and their width is about 8 m. Water entered the reservoirs through a multi-kilometer aqueduct. Its fragments have survived to this day.

Circus

All that remains of the former racetrack stadium are the visible outlines of an oblong shape. Here in the Roman era people gathered for mass spectacles.

Roman villas

From the remains of buildings and cobbled streets, one can judge the general layout of the urban area in the Roman period. In varying degrees of preservation, you can see here a Christian basilica from the 7th century, a Byzantine church, and a Punic necropolis, partially restored in the 1960s. a Roman villa of the 3rd century, called the “Poultry House”, and trading shops.

Roman theater

The restored 5,000-seat amphitheater, originally built in the 2nd century, has unique acoustics. Concerts and festivals are organized here.

Baths of Anthony (Antonina Pius)

It is assumed that the grandiose complex was built during the time of Emperor Antoninus Pius, in the middle of the 2nd century. In size it was second only to the Roman baths of Caracalla and Diocletian. All that remains of the structure are the basements, excavations of which were carried out after the Second World War. The above-ground part of the Antonin Baths was destroyed by vandals in the early Middle Ages.

Tophet

The site of mass sacrifices of children (later animals) was discovered in 1921. In the Phoenician and Punic religions that succeeded it, the construction of such a sanctuary was considered mandatory for the implementation of sacrifices. The site, with rows of ceremonial urns filled with charred bones and a cluster of stones carved with requests, left archaeologists in shock.

Experts have counted more than 20 thousand remains collected here over two centuries of the Punic era. After a detailed study of materials extracted from more than 300 urns, scientists came to the conclusion that in most cases the death of children was not violent.

Harbors

The two Punic ports were intended for merchant and military ships. The latter could simultaneously accommodate up to 220 ships. On the isthmus between the two harbors stood a tall tower surrounded by a wall. On a small island in the port area there is an Oceanographic Museum and a small pavilion with exhibitions on the history of the ports.

Byzantine basilica

The early Christian complex, turned into ruins, included a monastery, two churches, a chapel, and a baptistery. Only the rotunda, framed by 16 columns, has survived to this day. The lower parts of the columns remained from the Damus el-Karita Basilica, allowing us to judge its size.

Modern Carthage

The archaeological park is located on the territory of the city of Carthage, founded in 1919. Objects open to viewing are dispersed over a huge area. Historical sights are adjacent to the residential buildings of the modern city, which until recently, step by step, absorbed the territory of ancient Carthage.

Wealthy citizens prefer to live in Carthage. The official residence of the President of Tunisia and the university are located here.

Operating mode

In summer, the archaeological park is open from 08:00 to 19:00, in winter - from 08:30 to 17:00.

Prices

A comprehensive ticket costs 10 TND (Tunisian dinar). Children under 14 years of age have free admission. For photography you need to pay an additional 1 TND.

How to get to Carthage

The archaeological zone can be reached by trains on the TGM line. They run between Tunis-Marine and La Marsa stations. You can get off at any of the stops - “Carthage Byrsa”, “Carthage Dermech” or “Carthage Hannibal”, depending on the intended route of the walk.

By car from the center of Tunisia you need to follow either the street running along the embankment. Goulet and further along the R23 road, or along the N9 highway that goes around Lake Tunis, with a turn to N10.

You can order a taxi in Tunisia using the mobile applications Ched-Taxi, Taxi216, TjikTaxi.

As part of the excursion you can visit Carthage, Sidi Bou Said and the city of Tunis.

The beautiful city of Carthage was built. The city had a rich history, which, unfortunately, in our time can only be recalled by small fragments of former buildings. The ruins of Carthage were included in the UNESCO heritage list in 1979.

Exists legend, it says that Queen Dido decided to buy land in these parts in order to found a city. She was allowed to buy territory that could be covered by one bull hide. The quick-witted person, without thinking for a long time, cut the skin into thin strips and tied them together - the resulting “rope” marked the boundaries of her possessions. Therefore, the erected citadel in the center of Carthage was named Birsa, which means "skin".

Carthage, or "New City" in Phoenician, was founded with the hope of great success, and he was able to earn the status of the largest power in the Mediterranean. Passing from hand to hand during wars, it either flourished in luxury and beautiful architectural decoration, or went out like a fire doused with water.

During Punic War Carthage was defeated by the Romans, then rebuilt and turned into an important city of the Roman Empire. Later it became an early Christian church center. As a result, Carthage was captured during the Arab conquest and finally destroyed.

Territory, as befits such places, is surrounded by many secrets. Scientists from different parts of the world are engaged in excavations. Every year, more and more new artifacts are found that confirm or refute the history of the city described in the books.

Only a small part has survived fragments for the Punic period: several buildings, part of the street And port, and Tophet. Tophet was the name of the place of sacrifice, and the remains of animals and people were discovered here.

The remaining parts of Carthage have already been preserved from the time when the Romans came to power. Fragments of traditional Roman Empire amphitheater, which at one time was built with 10 thousand seats. Interesting to study are parts of the Roman water supply And aqueduct. The thermal complex (baths) of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius is represented today only by the ruins of basements where steam was produced and water was heated. In ancient times, it was a fairly large structure with large halls where there were hot baths, palaestrae where gymnastic exercises were performed, rest rooms for conversations and utility rooms.

The heritage of the Punic (Carthaginian), Roman and Byzantine periods, obtained during excavations by archaeologists, is exhibited in the National Museum of Carthage (Musee National de Carthage) on Birsa Hill.

Nowadays, the great Carthage is a suburb of the city Tunisia. The residence of the country's president and the University of Carthage are located here.

The baths (public baths) of Antony Pius were intended for the elite of the Roman province. Once upon a time, their terraces offered a picturesque view of the sea. Today, here lie the ruins of the once mighty Roman city of Carthage. In order to ensure that the water in the baths always remained hot, the unfortunate slaves were forced to spend twenty hours a day in the heat of a hot stove. The baths building itself was a very large-scale structure - it was supported on powerful columns, and the dome rose thirty meters above the frigidarium.

All the aristocrats and the cream of society sought to build their villas closer to the baths of Antonius Pius. This place was considered some kind of unofficial forum - here they discussed the most important political issues, concluded major trade deals and simply exchanged various types of information.

Ancient Christian burial

The Asterius Chapel was built in the 7th century over a Christian burial ground. The chapel contains a mosaic with Christian symbols. The ornament is reminiscent of the mosaic in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. On the walls of the chapel there are tiles with images of animals.

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Villa of a rich Roman

The villa is located on a high hill. It was a rich house for several families with state rooms, terraces, a swimming pool and private baths.

Columns from Phoenician Carthage of various shapes were used in the construction of the house.

The villa's courtyard area is richly decorated with thematic mosaics, which are about three centuries old.

The National Museum of Carthage is one of the oldest in Tunisia, located on Rue Colline de Boursa in the eastern part of the city. Models of Carthage in various periods of its existence are presented here, and the museum itself stands on the spot where construction of the city began in the first century BC. The building itself is not very large, but it offers a magnificent view of modern Tunisia. Its exhibition includes ancient sarcophagi and sculptures that date back to the Roman and Punic periods. The halls of the museum contain evidence that the Phoenicians were the first to reach the shores of Australia and America more than twenty centuries ago, long before Tasman and Columbus.

Near the museum itself are the ruins of the old city; here are statues of the goddess Tanit and the god Baal. Also near it is a place where sacrifices were previously made. In our time, urns with remains of animal ashes have been found here. On the steles under the urns are carved the prayers that accompanied each sacrificial ceremony. Near the steles, archaeologists found ceremonial clay masks and remains of dishes, which were soon included in the museum’s exhibition. Most of the finds are of great historical value.

Cathedral of Saint Louis in Carthage

St. Louis Cathedral was built not so long ago - in 1890. The architecture of the cathedral contains such styles as Moorish, Gothic, Byzantine. The construction of the cathedral was carried out with the permission of Hussein II Bey. This became possible thanks to Cardinal Lavigerie, who supervised the construction.

The cathedral was built in honor of Saint Louis IX, who died on this land in the 12th century during the siege of Tunisia. His statue is located in a small garden on the cathedral grounds, not far from the archeology museum.

Until 1965, the cathedral was considered the residence of the Archbishop of Carthage. Today, the Cathedral of St. Louis is not active. Music festivals of traditional Tunisian and classical music are held here.

Excavations on Birsa Hill

Once upon a time, in the center of ancient Carthage, the Byrsa fortress towered. According to legend, it was on this land that there were scraps of ox skin, on which the Gods allowed mere mortals to build one of the most majestic cities of antiquity. The name "Birsa" itself translates as "skinned".

Birsa fortress was surrounded by two walls. Thanks to excavations, it became known that inside the fortress there was a temple to Eshmun, and on the outskirts there were Phoenician houses, some of which could reach five floors in height. Surprisingly, the ancient Romans themselves helped preserve these buildings. The fact is that when the Romans built new Carthage, they tore down the top of the hill in order to subsequently expand it. And they poured earth and cobblestones onto ancient buildings that had no value for the Romans. Thus, the Romans helped to “protect” a fragment of the Birsa fortress from further plunder by the Arabs. These buildings can still be seen today.

Working residence of the President of Tunisia

There are many modern buildings on the territory of Carthage. Among such buildings, next to the baths of Antonius Pius, is the working residence of the President of Tunisia.

Roman theater in Carthage

On the slope of a mountain near the sea there was a grandiose Roman theater. The ruins of several stone tiers—the spectator rows—have survived to this day. The theater seated about 5,000 people. Massive columns have also been preserved - about one and a half meters in diameter. They are made of pink granite. Here you can see fragments of marble slabs and statues. The scene has practically not been preserved. The Roman theater is today used as a venue for exhibitions and various performances.

Tophet Salambo

In 1921, near the settlement of Salambo in Carthage, archaeologists found a place that resembled a cemetery. The scientists saw urns buried in several rows with the charred remains of both animals and small children. This cemetery was called Tophet: it was believed that sacrificed children and animals were buried here.

The biblical word "Tophet" means an open-air altar. This was the name of the ritual place in Jerusalem where pagans sacrificed their children to the supreme deity Moloch. There is also a legend about the Carthaginians sacrificing children to Baal. In order for the deity to be favorable to the inhabitants, the family had to sacrifice their firstborn to him.

Further research, however, showed that the legends about the sacrifices were greatly exaggerated. Perhaps such a ritual really existed - however, a child who had already died was brought to the altar. The deity was asked for new, healthy offspring. And Tophet is a cemetery for children who died from illnesses.

The road from Carthage to the Baths of Antoni Pius

Along this paved road, the ancient ordinary inhabitants of Carthage walked to the baths, and wealthy citizens traveled in stretchers. Modern travelers, having passed this path, feel the scale of the ancient city-state.

Brazilian Embassy

On the street leading to the excavations of ancient Carthage, the building of the Brazilian Embassy is located. The small modern building is surrounded by greenery and flowers.

The most popular attractions in Carthage with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Carthage on our website.

Carthage- an ancient Phoenician state that once existed on the territory of present-day Tunisia, located in northern Africa. This city was founded in 814 BC by immigrants who arrived from the Phoenician city of Tire. The case, according to the guide’s story, was like this: ships were approaching the shores, on the main one was Pygmalion’s sister, Princess Elissa, who came to a reception with the local king and asked to sell her part of the territory that he owned. The king did not agree, and then the princess decided to cheat, saying that she was ready to buy a piece of land that would cover the bull's skin, he allowed her to make this purchase, really understanding that the bull's skin would not take up much space. But the princess cut this skin into small strips, which she tied together and covered the area around Birsa Hill with them. The king could not refuse his word to her, and was forced to make such a deal. This is how the city was formed, its name in Phoenician is “Qart Hadasht”, which means “New City”. So, as you already understand, our story today is dedicated to the ancient city of Carthage, located on the territory of Tunisia.

Let's take a little look at the history of this great city of the past. Created by the Phoenicians, Carthage, after the fall of their influence in the Western Mediterranean region, by the beginning of the third century BC had become the largest and most powerful state that managed to subjugate the territories of Southern Spain, North Africa, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. True, the peak of glory was not so long: after several wars with Rome, all the great conquests were lost, and the city-state was destroyed. According to the order of the military leader Aemilian Scipio, the Punic capital was destroyed, and the lands where it stood were plowed and covered with salt so that nothing could ever grow on them. This was in 146 BC, the same year Carthage became an African province. Julius Caesar proposed the founding of a Roman colony in its place, which was done shortly after his death. The city had a very advantageous and important strategic position, as it stood on a high cape and had access to the sea from the north and south. It was this factor that made him the main leader of maritime trade throughout the Mediterranean, because absolutely all ships crossing the sea passed between the island of Sicily and the coast of Tunisia. The Romans, until the end of the fourth century AD, ruled from Carthage the entire African province, which was famous for its grains, oil, and game. Then they were replaced by the Vandals, after whom the Byzantines came, and their emperor Justinian made Carthage the capital of the Carthaginian Exarchate. Two large man-made harbors appeared within the city limits: for the military fleet, with a capacity for two hundred and twenty warships, and for ships engaged in commercial trade. And the isthmus that separated these two harbors was occupied by a huge watchtower, which was surrounded by a powerful wall that stretched for a long thirty-seven kilometers, the height of which in places reached twelve meters. Basically, the walls followed the contour of the coast, making ancient Carthage impregnable from the sea. Of course, active construction was also going on inside the city: markets, towers, a theater, roads, a municipal building and a huge cemetery were erected, as well as numerous places of worship. In the heart of Carthage was the formidable citadel of Biers. When the Arabs conquered it, the city lost its original name and began to be called Kairouan. In 697, a new - Islamic part of the history of ancient Carthage began. By the way, the foundation of the famous local Zitouna mosque, the “Olive Tree Mosque,” ​​was laid in the eighth century by a holy man. This mosque still stands today. Over time, it was expanded, and madrassas and bazaars of Medina were also built. After the start of the Christian Reconquista in Spain, crowds of Muslims and Jews poured into local lands, especially many from the Andalusia region. Refugees were able to make a huge contribution to the culture, science, art, craft, and agriculture of Tunisia, enriching these areas with new knowledge, as well as modern technology and seed materials for those times. In the city of Tunisia, including on the territory of ancient Carthage, a center of Andalusian-Arab culture flourished. And in the sixteenth century, the Ottomans came to power in the country, establishing the rule of governors here, and global construction began in Tunisia, after which many interesting buildings in the oriental style have survived to this day. From 1881 to 1956, Tunisia was under French colonial rule, and a truly European city emerged around the eastern Medina. Then, after gaining independence, the city of Tunis remained the capital of the state of the same name and gradually merged with its famous suburbs - Carthage and La Goulette.

Today Carthage is the most famous suburb of the city of Tunisia, and an excursion to these places covered in glory is one of the most popular among tourists who come to the country on vacation. And there is something to see: the ruins of ancient Carthage date back several thousand years; this city is even older than Italian Rome. The ruins of Carthage still stand on the northern shore of the Gulf of Tunisia in the suburbs of Tunisia, which has the historical name “Carthage”. Unfortunately, today there is not as much information about the origin of the city of Carthage as we would like; research work is still going on here, but excavations are hampered by the looting and numerous destructions of these historical places in ancient times. However, archaeologists working under the auspices of UNESCO managed to find the ruins of several ancient cities that existed in ancient times in this beautiful coastal area of ​​​​modern Tunisia. During excavations in the “Punian” quarter, right under the Roman buildings, scientists found ancient Punic aqueducts - this is a very ingenious design, which in those ancient times provided water to the six-story houses of the nobility. By the way, absolutely all the finds that archaeologists discovered during their research work can be seen in the National Museum of Carthage, located right there, next to the ruins - “Musee National de Carthage” on Birsa Hill. Entering the museum courtyard, you can see rows of ancient stone cannonballs stacked along the building - these are real finds that once destroyed the powerful walls of Carthage. The archaeological artifacts presented in the museum are very different: statues, fragments of ancient mosaics, jugs, vessels, busts and so on. All this looks very interesting and impressive. For permission to take photographs on the territory of the ruins of ancient Carthage, you will have to pay a symbolic sum of one dinar, which is approximately equal to thirty-two Russian rubles. In addition, on the ancient hill of Birsa, right at the entrance to the territory of the ruins, there is a delightful building that was once erected here by the French - the Cathedral of St. Louis. Unfortunately, it does not work and it is not possible to get inside the building, but the former greatness of this religious Christian building can be judged by looking at its size and the remains of decorations. By the way, upon leaving the territory of the ruins of ancient Carthage, tourists can purchase memorable gifts and souvenirs in several shops of local merchants located here: magnets, imitation of historical artifacts exhibited in the museum, mosaic panels, and so on.

An excursion to the ancient city of Carthage - a suburb of Tunisia, is very important for those travelers who come to this country not only to visit its famous white sandy beaches and beautiful resorts: Hammamet, Sousse, Mahdia, but also for people interested in the great history of this northern African country.

Today we will talk about the once powerful and richest city - Carthage. Nowadays, only picturesque ruins remain from it. Today Carthage is also a revered city; for example, the residence of the President of Tunisia is located here. However, only memories remain of its former greatness. Today, a photo of Carthage in Tunisia is available in all tourist brochures of this country. Therefore, we invite you to take a closer look at this ancient city, its history, culture and location.

Carthage (Tunisia): history

According to legend, this city was founded by the Tyrian princess Elissa, who was forced to flee her native place after a palace coup. This happened in 814 BC. Elissa and her supporters sailed across the sea for a long time until they reached the African shores, where they landed on land in the Gulf of Tunisia. The local residents were very happy to see the strangers, who brought with them many amazing goods. The fugitive queen wanted to buy a plot of land equal in area to the size of an oxhide. The local leader was very surprised at this proposal and made fun of Elissa for a long time. He was sure that all her people would never be able to fit into such a small space, but still agreed to the deal. The next night, Elissa ordered the ox skin to be cut into thin strips and surrounded with them over a fairly large area of ​​land, thus marking her new possessions. This is how the city of Carthage in Tunisia was founded. It is no coincidence that the citadel built in its center is called Birsa, which means “skin.”

By the 3rd century BC, Carthage (Tunisia) had become the largest state in the western Mediterranean. Its geographical position made it possible to control all ships passing by. The Carthaginians were very businesslike, resourceful and warlike. They surrounded themselves with a high fortress wall, and along with the merchant fleet, they created their own military fleet, numbering more than two hundred ships. Thus, Carthage turned out to be impregnable both from land and sea.

Carthage was not ruled by a senate, where the best people of their time were elected, as in Rome. Here all decisions were made by the plebs, that is, the people. However, some scholars are confident that in fact in Carthage everything was run by the oligarchy (a group of the richest citizens). Be that as it may, along with Rome, this city was the most cultural and developed at that time.

The Carthaginians actively sailed to other countries and subjugated a number of lands in Southern Spain, North Africa, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica. At first they were on good terms with Rome. Both states supported each other in military operations. However, tensions soon arose between them over the ownership of Sicily, as a result of which the First Punic War began in 264 BC. Military operations proceeded with varying degrees of success. However, in the end the Carthaginians were defeated. However, they were a tenacious people and were able to recover. This was followed by two more, which ultimately ended in complete victory for the Romans. This is how the call of a Roman statesman named Marcus Porcius Cato came true, who ended each of his speeches with the phrase that later became popular: “Carthage must be destroyed!” The wars of the Roman Empire destroyed the city of half a million. The surviving inhabitants were sold into slavery, and the ruins of Carthage were sprinkled with salt so that no one would have the desire to settle here. However, after some time, the Romans regretted the complete destruction of the city, because they could only get by with the liquidation of its army. Eventually they began to rebuild and repopulate Carthage. After some time, the city became the main center of Africa.

In the 2nd century AD, the Carthaginians converted to Christianity. In the 6th century, along with the collapse of the Roman Empire, this once majestic city also fell into decay. Just a hundred years later it was captured by the Arabs. The new rulers of Carthage used the remains of local structures to build a new city - Tunisia. Today Carthage is a suburb of Tunis. And due to its greatest historical value, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Carthage (Tunisia): description and geographical location

So, today this city is one of the main ones. Few tourists who find themselves in this region deprive themselves of the opportunity to touch the ancient history of once great empires. Carthage is not difficult to find on a map of Tunisia. It is located in the northern part of this state on the shores of the Gulf of Tunisia, which is part of the Mediterranean Sea.

Carthage Hotels

The number of rooms in this locality can be called modest. This is due to the fact that Carthage is a unique place; there is no possibility of building hotels here. The only option for travelers who want to definitely stay here is the five-star Villa Didon hotel with 20 rooms. If you are looking for a more budget option, then it makes sense to choose a hotel in the city of Tunis or Gammarth.

Excursions

One of the must-see places in Carthage is the Baths of Antonine. In size they were second only to their Roman counterpart. Today, little remains of its former grandeur, but you can appreciate the scale of the construction by looking at the model erected here. As a rule, no excursion to Carthage (Tunisia) is complete without a visit to Tophet, which is an open-air burial altar. Here the Phoenicians sacrificed their firstborns in order to appease the gods. In addition, it is worth looking at the Roman amphitheater, which accommodated 36 thousand spectators, the remains of a huge aqueduct, as well as the Maalga water tanks.

Shopping

In addition to the standard souvenirs for any country in the form of magnets, key rings, postcards, etc., merchants here offer tourists items that supposedly have historical value: coins, mosaics, pieces of steles and columns, etc. You should not fall for this fishing rod You can buy such things only as a souvenir, and do not hesitate to bargain.

Cafes and restaurants

On both sides of Habib Bourguiba Avenue, which runs along the coastline, there are a whole host of cafes where you can quench your thirst with a cool juice or have lunch. If you want to pamper both your stomach and your eyes, then visit the restaurant at the five-star Villa Dido hotel, which offers stunning views of the whole of Carthage.