Classics

Ancient Carthage: Topography

Carthage, once one of the major cities in the ancient world, has suffered greatly from spoliation, beginning in the late seventh century CE. It became a quarry for the growing city of Tunis. While it boasted of a circus and amphitheater, little remains of these edifices. Hence, the other cities of Tunisia are often highlighted in the architectural and urban history of the area. As the Roman colony was established directly over the old Punic foundation, focusing on Byrsa Hill, the Punic layers have been affected. Most of the history of the city can be found in the excavations of many of the necropoleis to the south and east of Byrsa Hill.

Punic Carthage

Map from S. Lancel, Carthage, A History, p. 39

The first considerable evidence of a Tyrian foundation dates to the seventh century, although the date given by Timaeus is probably very close to its original foundation date.

Houses

Houses from Punic period of Carthage. Photo from Khader and Soren, Carthage: A Mosaic of Ancient Tunisia, p.38

Houses from Punic period of Carthage. Photo from Khader and Soren, Carthage: A Mosaic of Ancient Tunisia, p.101

Necropoleis

Grave markers Photo from Khader and Soren, Carthage: A Mosaic of Ancient Tunisia, p. 42

S. Lancel, Carthage, A History, p. 60.

S. Lancel, Carthage, A History, p. 57.

Link to Current Excavation of a Punic Cemetery

ASOR Digs 1997

Roman Carthage

After Carthage's ultimate defeat in the Third Punic War (149-146), the area around the city became a Roman province. It was not until the emperor Augustus (reigned from 27 BCE-CE 14) that Carthage became a city again.

Evidence that Carthage prospered under the Romans can be seen in the following image which shows the courtyard of a Roman house decorated in opus sectile and mosaics--quite a common practice in the fourth century CE.

Photo from Khader and Soren (1987), p. 88