Step into Africa's ancient Punic capital of Carthage

TUNISIA // The remnants of grand Carthage lie scattered across a quiet seaside suburb northeast of Tunis. The Romans defeated the Phoenicians and took Carthage in the Third Punic War, using these same stones to reconstruct their own outpost. A two-storey museum and the excavated residential quarter atop Byrsa Hill offer a glimpse at its life. A series of Roman villas hint at the opulence of the new neighbourhood, with columned porticos, mosaic floors and terraces with views of the Med. The evocative seaside Antonine Baths are perfectly positioned a short walk down the hill - they were destroyed by the Vandals in AD 439. The scant remains of two superpowers that grew fat from trade are an enigmatic peek into how empires can crumble as quickly as they rise.

 

What are the archaeological sites of Carthage?

The main known components of the Carthage site are the Acropolis of Birsa, the Punic Ports, the Punic Tupe, the cemeteries, the theater, the amphitheater, the circus, the residential area, the churches, the Antonine Baths, the Málaga cisterns, and the archaeological reserve.

Where is the current site of ancient Carthage?

Tunisia
Carthage was an ancient city in North Africa, on the eastern side of Lake Tunis in what is now Tunisia. Carthage was one of the most important trade centers of the ancient Mediterranean and one of the richest cities in the classical world.

Can you visit the ruins of Carthage?

The huge amphitheater and the cave are among the attractions of these famous ruins. Entry to the ruins includes the excellent Museum of Carthage.

What archeology is in Carthage?

The archaeological classification at the Carthage site covers periods from the 8th century BC to the 7th century AD. Three distinct archaeological levels were discovered in a plot devoid of known modern buildings associated with the cult of the Punic goddess Tanit.

Were the Carthaginians black?

Sidney Halpern's July 20 letter ignores the racial composition of the Carthaginians. Carthage (originally Khart Hadas) consisted not only of Phoenicians who colonized the part of North Africa now called Tunisia, but also of the indigenous black Africans who were already there.