---
title: Map of the Rise & Fall of Carthaginian Power, c. 650–146 BCE
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20574/map-of-the-rise--fall-of-carthaginian-power-c-650/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2026-06-18
---

# Map of the Rise & Fall of Carthaginian Power, c. 650–146 BCE

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![Map of the Rise & Fall of Carthaginian Power, c. 650–146 BCE](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/20574.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/20574.png)

## Image Caption

[Carthage](https://www.worldhistory.org/carthage/) (traditionally founded c. 814/813 BCE; destroyed 146 BCE) emerged from the wider Phoenician colonial world to become the leading [Punic](https://www.worldhistory.org/carthage/) power in the western [Mediterranean](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/mediterranean/). From roughly the 7th century BCE, its influence expanded through maritime [trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/), naval strength, treaty relationships, colonies, fortified ports, and commercial networks across North [Africa](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/africa/), Sardinia, western [Sicily](https://www.worldhistory.org/sicily/), the Balearics, and southern [Iberia](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/iberia/). Rather than a continuous land [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/), Carthaginian power was largely coastal and maritime, built around control of sea lanes, access to metals, agricultural wealth, and strategic harbors. Its political system combined aristocratic councils, elected suffetes, and powerful military commanders, while its armies often relied on Libyan, Numidian, Iberian, Balearic, and other allied or mercenary forces. By the 3rd century BCE, Carthage had become the strongest rival to the expanding [Roman Republic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Republic/). 
 
The struggle with [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/) culminated in the [Punic Wars](https://www.worldhistory.org/Punic_Wars/) (264–146 BCE), three conflicts that transformed the balance of power in the Mediterranean. The [First Punic War](https://www.worldhistory.org/First_Punic_War/) (264–241 BCE) cost Carthage Sicily, while Rome later seized Sardinia and Corsica in 238 BCE. In response, the Barcid family built a new power base in Iberia (c. 237–218 BCE), using [silver](https://www.worldhistory.org/Silver/) mines, local alliances, and Iberian troops to restore Carthaginian strength. [Hannibal](https://www.worldhistory.org/hannibal/) Barca (247–183 BCE) brought Carthage close to victory during the [Second Punic War](https://www.worldhistory.org/Second_Punic_War/) (218–201 BCE), but Rome’s manpower, alliance system, logistics, and political resilience ultimately prevailed. After 201 BCE, Carthage survived under severe [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) restrictions while Rome-backed Numidia increased pressure on its African territory. The [Third Punic War](https://www.worldhistory.org/Third_Punic_War/) (149–146 BCE) ended with the destruction of Carthage, the enslavement or dispersal of many of its inhabitants, and the creation of Roman Africa, marking Rome’s decisive rise as the dominant power of the Mediterranean.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2026, June 18). Map of the Rise & Fall of Carthaginian Power, c. 650–146 BCE. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20574/map-of-the-rise--fall-of-carthaginian-power-c-650/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Rise & Fall of Carthaginian Power, c. 650–146 BCE." *World History Encyclopedia*, June 18, 2026. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20574/map-of-the-rise--fall-of-carthaginian-power-c-650/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Rise & Fall of Carthaginian Power, c. 650–146 BCE." *World History Encyclopedia*, 18 Jun 2026, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20574/map-of-the-rise--fall-of-carthaginian-power-c-650/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 18 June 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.