Carthage (c. 814–146 BCE) emerged as the leading Phoenician power in the western Mediterranean following its foundation by settlers from Tyre around c. 814 BCE. Built on maritime trade, naval dominance, and a dense network of colonies across North Africa, southern Iberia, and Sicily, Carthage developed into a commercial empire that controlled key sea lanes and resource flows. Its political system combined aristocratic councils with elected magistrates, while its economy relied heavily on long-distance trade and mercenary armies. By the 3rd century BCE, Carthage had become Rome’s principal rival for Mediterranean supremacy.
This rivalry culminated in the Punic Wars (264–146 BCE), three systemic conflicts that reshaped Mediterranean power. Under Hannibal Barca (247–183 BCE), Carthage achieved its greatest military success during the Second Punic War (218–201 BCE), including decisive victories over Roman armies in Italy. However, Rome’s superior manpower, logistics, and political resilience ultimately prevailed. After renewed tensions, the Third Punic War (149–146 BCE) ended with the destruction of Carthage in 146 BCE, the enslavement of its population, and the formal absorption of its territory into the Roman Republic, marking Rome’s irreversible rise as the dominant Mediterranean power.
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APA Style
Netchev, S. (2025, December 09). Map of the Rise and Fall of Carthage (c. 650-146 BCE). World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20574/map-of-the-rise-and-fall-of-carthage-c-650-146-bce/
Chicago Style
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Rise and Fall of Carthage (c. 650-146 BCE)." World History Encyclopedia, December 09, 2025. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20574/map-of-the-rise-and-fall-of-carthage-c-650-146-bce/.
MLA Style
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Rise and Fall of Carthage (c. 650-146 BCE)." World History Encyclopedia, 09 Dec 2025, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20574/map-of-the-rise-and-fall-of-carthage-c-650-146-bce/.
