Ancient Carthage - one of the few countries who have left a real challenge to Roman legions in the third century BC.The victory of Rome resulted in the end of their civilization to greatness brilliant, and Carthage was unjustly forgotten.However, the State has also been successful conqueror and significant geopolitical player in the ancient world.
Carthage was founded in 814 BC by Phoenician colonists from Tyre.But the Phoenicia is already in the VIII century was invaded by Assyria that first led to the independence of some Phoenician colonies, and secondly, the country has caused the flight of many of its inhabitants (some have settled in recent colony).Carthage became the new leader of the region, occupying the territory of the former metropolis.The place where the Carthage (its geographical location), enabled him to not only strengthen but also gradually develop their power and influence in the region.
It was located on the shores of North Africa, which explains its maritime supremacy and trading success.Vessels crossing the Mediterranean Sea inevitably took place between Sicily (partially in long been dominated by the Carthaginians, and finally conquered already in the IV century BC), which is meant for the State to establish its own rules of the sea.By the VI century BC, the population of the capital has reached 70 thousand people, and it became the largest city in the whole of the western Mediterranean.
first serious military rivals of the state began the ancient Greeks, who started in the VII century, its colonization of the entire Mediterranean coast.In particular, in the Greco-Persian wars of the V century Carthage held the Persian side.Global confrontation with the Greeks experienced variable success and failure.However, Carthage significantly expanded its territory mainly due to the North African coast, the south of the Iberian Peninsula and some islands
views.In addition to the gains of the Carthaginians is also famous and successful trade, which was the main source of public welfare.Their merchants sailed to the coasts of three continents - Europe, Asia, Africa, resulting in a multitude of people to find out where Carthage.
First Punic War
only in the III century BC intensified Roman Republic could become a serious opponent for Carthage.Their conflict was caused by the natural tendency of the Latins to expand their holdings, resulting in the previously good relations between them began to sour.
First Punic War (the Romans called the Carthaginians punami) began in 264 BC, mostly for dominance in the strategically important Sicily.The Romans dominated the land battles, but almost nothing to oppose Carthage fleet.It was only in 241, when the navy and army were exhausted Carthage, the Romans were able to from their own last effort to collect soldiers, moving theater in Africa.Defeated the Romans at Egatskih Islands has ended the first Punic War, which led to the loss of a dominant position in the region and a number of unfavorable Carthaginians agreements.
second and third Punic War
second episode of confrontation worthy rivals observed each other in 218.In an attempt to revenge her commander in chief of the army began Hannibal Barca.Instead invasion of the peninsula from the sea, Hannibal led his troops to bypass - through Spain and the Alps, along the way winning a number of important victories (including the famous battle in the minority at Cannes in 216, a strong blow to the republic and the slopes on the side of Hannibala large part of Italy).However, the Romans were still able to stand, and then again to move the fighting in Africa.After a series of victories, they regained their military advantage, and the situation was complicated by strong Carthaginians.
decisive battle that determined the victory of Rome, was the Battle of Zama in 202 year.Again Carthage managed to recover from the defeat.Fifty years later the city again became one of the richest in the Mediterranean.This is his position, firstly, the economy inhibited Rome, and secondly, it was simply dangerous.
In 149 BC, the republic tied third war.Having signed a contract with the hostile king Massanissoy numudiyskim Carthage, the Romans got an excuse for military intervention.Land troops on the coast of North Africa, where Carthage, Roman troops besieged the city.It lasted for three years, but it ended up taking almost complete destruction and the destruction of much of the population.In the future, the city continued to exist until the Arab conquest, but never has been important.
Where is Carthage modern (or rather, its remnants), located in the immediate vicinity of the city of Tunis - the capital of the eponymous state in the Maghreb.
