6th century BCE – 2nd century BCE
Carthaginian settlements and dependent communities in the western Mediterranean
Libyphoenicians were inhabitants of old Phoenician settlements and communities founded by Carthage who occupied a relatively privileged position within the Carthaginian imperial system. Greek authors called them “African Phoenicians.” They appear to have retained local officials and institutions similar to those of Carthage, while owing dues on imports and exports, sometimes supplying troops and probably contributing to the manning of the Carthaginian fleet. After 348 BCE, their external trade was restricted in favor of Carthage.
Continue exploring
The Story
The Libyphoenicians were the inhabitants of older Phoenician settlements and of coastal communities established by Carthage. Greek writers called them Libyphoenicians, meaning African Phoenicians. They formed one of the more privileged categories among the populations subject to Carthage, in contrast with the interior Libyans, who were more directly exposed to tribute collection and military enrollment.
Their privileged status did not mean independence from Carthage. Libyphoenician communities paid dues on imports and exports, and troops were sometimes levied from them. The passage also considers it likely that they participated in manning the Carthaginian fleet, linking their local communities to the maritime power of the imperial center.
Libyphoenician settlements appear to have possessed local officials and institutions similar to those of Carthage itself. The passage gives Gades, Tharros and the Phoenicians of Malta as examples of communities with this institutional character. After 348 BCE, however, these settlements seem to have been forbidden to trade with anyone except Carthage, tightening the commercial hierarchy of the empire.
6th century BCE – 2nd century BCE
Carthaginian settlements and dependent communities in the western Mediterranean
Libyphoenicians were inhabitants of old Phoenician settlements and communities founded by Carthage who occupied a relatively privileged position within the Carthaginian imperial system. Greek authors called them “African Phoenicians.” They appear to have retained local officials and institutions similar to those of Carthage, while owing dues on imports and exports, sometimes supplying troops and probably contributing to the manning of the Carthaginian fleet. After 348 BCE, their external trade was restricted in favor of Carthage.
Continue exploring
The Story
The Libyphoenicians were the inhabitants of older Phoenician settlements and of coastal communities established by Carthage. Greek writers called them Libyphoenicians, meaning African Phoenicians. They formed one of the more privileged categories among the populations subject to Carthage, in contrast with the interior Libyans, who were more directly exposed to tribute collection and military enrollment.
Their privileged status did not mean independence from Carthage. Libyphoenician communities paid dues on imports and exports, and troops were sometimes levied from them. The passage also considers it likely that they participated in manning the Carthaginian fleet, linking their local communities to the maritime power of the imperial center.
Libyphoenician settlements appear to have possessed local officials and institutions similar to those of Carthage itself. The passage gives Gades, Tharros and the Phoenicians of Malta as examples of communities with this institutional character. After 348 BCE, however, these settlements seem to have been forbidden to trade with anyone except Carthage, tightening the commercial hierarchy of the empire.
Continue the journey
Other paths related to this story.