---
title: Carthaginian Tombstone for Gemellus
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5213/carthaginian-tombstone-for-gemellus/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Carthaginian Tombstone for Gemellus

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Carthaginian Tombstone for Gemellus](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5213.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5213.jpg)

## Image Caption

This limestone monument was set up in a cemetery in [Carthage](https://www.worldhistory.org/carthage/), in memory of a man called Gemellus. The inscription towards the base is written in Phoenician, the native language of ancient Carthage, often known as [Punic](https://www.worldhistory.org/carthage/), and states "This tombstone has been set up for Gemellus, son of Selidius. He lived fifty years". Monuments like this were originally set up in tophets, open-air children's cemeteries. They showed where urns containing the cremated remains of new-born infants and children had been buried. Following the destruction and annexation of Carthage by the Romans in 146 BCE, the practice was more widely adopted and extended to [mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Mark/) adult burials which had not previously been commemorated in this way. From Carthage, modern-day Tunisia. Punic, 2nd to 3rd century CE. (The British Museum, London)

#### 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

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2016, June 16). Carthaginian Tombstone for Gemellus. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5213/carthaginian-tombstone-for-gemellus/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Carthaginian Tombstone for Gemellus." *World History Encyclopedia*, June 16, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5213/carthaginian-tombstone-for-gemellus/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Carthaginian Tombstone for Gemellus." *World History Encyclopedia*, 16 Jun 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5213/carthaginian-tombstone-for-gemellus/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 16 June 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.