Carthage

Carthage was a powerful Phoenician city-state in North Africa that dominated the western Mediterranean and fought Rome in the epic Punic Wars.

Key Takeaways

• Carthage was a Phoenician maritime and commercial superpower in North Africa.
• It fought Rome in the three Punic Wars.
• Its greatest general, Hannibal, famously crossed the Alps to invade Italy.
• Rome destroyed Carthage in 146 BC at the end of the Third Punic War.

A maritime trading power founded by Phoenician colonists, Carthage rivaled Rome for control of the western Mediterranean until its defeat — and ultimate destruction — in the three Punic Wars.

Carthage was Rome’s great rival for mastery of the western Mediterranean. Founded by Phoenician traders on the North African coast, it grew into a wealthy maritime empire with a formidable navy and far-flung commercial network.

Its rivalry with Rome erupted into the three Punic Wars. In the second, the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca astonished the world by leading an army — and war elephants — across the Alps into Italy. Yet Rome endured, and in 146 BC it razed Carthage to the ground, ending the contest for the Mediterranean.

Key Achievements

• Built a dominant Mediterranean trading network.
• Produced Hannibal, one of history's greatest generals.

Notable Figures of Carthage

Hannibal Barca

91

Military Leader · 247 BC – 183 BC

Hannibal Barca was a Carthaginian general regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history, famed for crossing the Alps with war elephants to invade Italy during the Second Punic War.

• Crossing the Alps
• The Battle of Cannae

Hannibal Barca

91

Military Leader · 247 BC – 183 BC

Hannibal Barca was a Carthaginian general regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history, famed for crossing the Alps with war elephants to invade Italy during the Second Punic War.

• Crossing the Alps
• The Battle of Cannae

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Carthage fight Rome?

Carthage and Rome were rival powers competing for control of the western Mediterranean, leading to the three Punic Wars; Rome ultimately destroyed Carthage in 146 BC.