6th century BCE – 2nd century BCE
North Africa and the western Mediterranean
The Carthaginian Empire was the territorial and maritime power built by Carthage after its emergence as an independent city in the sixth century BCE. It incorporated Phoenician settlements, Libyphoenician communities, conquered lands in North Africa and dependent territories across parts of the western Mediterranean. Its administration combined local institutions, tribute, military levies and commercial restrictions, while its armies relied heavily on Libyan, Numidian, Mauretanian and other mercenary forces.
Continue exploring
The Story
The Carthaginian Empire developed after Carthage became independent from Tyre and assumed leadership over the western Phoenicians during the sixth century BCE. Its power was rooted in a network of ports, anchorages and settlements extending across North Africa and the western Mediterranean. Carthage’s position near the maritime narrows allowed it to influence routes linking Sicily, Sardinia, Iberia, the African coast and the Atlantic.
The empire’s African core expanded particularly during the fifth century BCE. Carthage conquered the Cap Bon peninsula and substantial territory south of the city, reaching at least as far as Dougga. These lands included fertile areas of Tunisia that provided food supplies and supported a larger urban population. The coastal system also included settlements and administrative centers around the Gulf of Gabes, among them Lepcis, Sabratha, Gigthis and Tacapae.
Imperial subjects held unequal positions. Libyphoenician communities retained local officials and institutions similar to those of Carthage, while communities in Sicily preserved their own institutions and coinage during the fifth century BCE. Interior Libyans were more heavily supervised: officials collected tribute and enrolled soldiers, and the normal levy appears to have been one-quarter of the crops. Repeated Libyan revolts reveal the tensions created by Carthaginian extraction and military demands.
The empire also regulated commerce. After 348 BCE, old Phoenician settlements appear to have been forbidden to trade with anyone except Carthage, and foreign merchants were generally excluded from markets west of the city. Carthaginian armies depended on populations and allies beyond the citizen body, including Libyan infantry and Numidian and Mauretanian cavalry. This combination of territorial control, maritime monopoly and external recruitment sustained Carthaginian power until its defeat by Rome.
6th century BCE – 2nd century BCE
North Africa and the western Mediterranean
The Carthaginian Empire was the territorial and maritime power built by Carthage after its emergence as an independent city in the sixth century BCE. It incorporated Phoenician settlements, Libyphoenician communities, conquered lands in North Africa and dependent territories across parts of the western Mediterranean. Its administration combined local institutions, tribute, military levies and commercial restrictions, while its armies relied heavily on Libyan, Numidian, Mauretanian and other mercenary forces.
Continue exploring
The Story
The Carthaginian Empire developed after Carthage became independent from Tyre and assumed leadership over the western Phoenicians during the sixth century BCE. Its power was rooted in a network of ports, anchorages and settlements extending across North Africa and the western Mediterranean. Carthage’s position near the maritime narrows allowed it to influence routes linking Sicily, Sardinia, Iberia, the African coast and the Atlantic.
The empire’s African core expanded particularly during the fifth century BCE. Carthage conquered the Cap Bon peninsula and substantial territory south of the city, reaching at least as far as Dougga. These lands included fertile areas of Tunisia that provided food supplies and supported a larger urban population. The coastal system also included settlements and administrative centers around the Gulf of Gabes, among them Lepcis, Sabratha, Gigthis and Tacapae.
Imperial subjects held unequal positions. Libyphoenician communities retained local officials and institutions similar to those of Carthage, while communities in Sicily preserved their own institutions and coinage during the fifth century BCE. Interior Libyans were more heavily supervised: officials collected tribute and enrolled soldiers, and the normal levy appears to have been one-quarter of the crops. Repeated Libyan revolts reveal the tensions created by Carthaginian extraction and military demands.
The empire also regulated commerce. After 348 BCE, old Phoenician settlements appear to have been forbidden to trade with anyone except Carthage, and foreign merchants were generally excluded from markets west of the city. Carthaginian armies depended on populations and allies beyond the citizen body, including Libyan infantry and Numidian and Mauretanian cavalry. This combination of territorial control, maritime monopoly and external recruitment sustained Carthaginian power until its defeat by Rome.
Continue the journey
Other paths related to this story.