Vᵉ siècle av. J.-C. – IIᵉ siècle av. J.-C.
Atlantic coast of Morocco and western Africa
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
A Carthaginian maritime network that extended from the Straits of Gibraltar along the Atlantic coast of Morocco and possibly toward West Africa. It involved colonies, fishing grounds, exploration, and trade in commodities such as gold, ivory, hides, wine, and manufactured goods. Its exact geographical reach remains disputed, as does the location of Cerne and the extent to which Carthaginian sailors reached sub-Saharan Africa.
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Le récit
Carthage treated the Atlantic beyond the Straits of Gibraltar as a sphere of maritime activity. After securing the Phoenician cities of Gades and Lixus, probably toward the end of the sixth century BC, Carthaginians founded colonies farther along the Moroccan coast. Fishing vessels from Gades ranged beyond permanent settlements, while government-sponsored expeditions sought to establish bases and explore the coastline.
The most ambitious expedition was led by Hanno, probably in the fifth century BC. He reportedly founded six colonies on the Moroccan coast, sailed to a river called Lixus, continued along a desert shore, and established a final colony on the island of Cerne. From there, his expedition explored further coastal waters, encountering communities described as Ethiopians and observing a volcanic mountain known as the Platform or Chariot of the Gods before turning back when provisions ran out.
Cerne later served, or was intended to serve, as a base for trade. Ancient accounts describe exchanges involving gold, ivory, animal hides, wine, pottery, perfume, and glass. Herodotus portrays a system of silent barter for gold, whereas Pseudo-Skylax describes direct commerce with mainland communities. These accounts may reflect different locations or changing conditions, but the geography cannot be securely reconstructed.
Vᵉ siècle av. J.-C. – IIᵉ siècle av. J.-C.
Atlantic coast of Morocco and western Africa
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
A Carthaginian maritime network that extended from the Straits of Gibraltar along the Atlantic coast of Morocco and possibly toward West Africa. It involved colonies, fishing grounds, exploration, and trade in commodities such as gold, ivory, hides, wine, and manufactured goods. Its exact geographical reach remains disputed, as does the location of Cerne and the extent to which Carthaginian sailors reached sub-Saharan Africa.
Poursuivre l’exploration
Le récit
Carthage treated the Atlantic beyond the Straits of Gibraltar as a sphere of maritime activity. After securing the Phoenician cities of Gades and Lixus, probably toward the end of the sixth century BC, Carthaginians founded colonies farther along the Moroccan coast. Fishing vessels from Gades ranged beyond permanent settlements, while government-sponsored expeditions sought to establish bases and explore the coastline.
The most ambitious expedition was led by Hanno, probably in the fifth century BC. He reportedly founded six colonies on the Moroccan coast, sailed to a river called Lixus, continued along a desert shore, and established a final colony on the island of Cerne. From there, his expedition explored further coastal waters, encountering communities described as Ethiopians and observing a volcanic mountain known as the Platform or Chariot of the Gods before turning back when provisions ran out.
Cerne later served, or was intended to serve, as a base for trade. Ancient accounts describe exchanges involving gold, ivory, animal hides, wine, pottery, perfume, and glass. Herodotus portrays a system of silent barter for gold, whereas Pseudo-Skylax describes direct commerce with mainland communities. These accounts may reflect different locations or changing conditions, but the geography cannot be securely reconstructed.