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Note: Because the name of the College is Carthage, the webmaster
of this site has decided to dedicate a part
of the Classics site to the ancient city of
Carthage. As a result, I get many inquiries
about the latter, too many to respond to adequately.
To navigate to the page you wish to view, please
click on of the options in the right-hand column.
Introduction
Tired out,/Aeneas' people made for the nearest land,/Turning their
prows toward Libya. There's a spot/Where at the mouth of a long bay an island/Makes a harbor,
forming a breakwater/Where every swell divides it as its comes in/And runs far into curving
recesses./There are high cliffs on this side and on that,/And twin peaks towering heavenward impend/On
reaches of still water. Over these,/Against a forest backdrop shimmering,/A dark and shaggy grove
casts a deep shade,/While in the cliffside opposite, below/The overhanging peaks, there is a
cave/With fresh water and seats in living rock...
R. Fitzgerald, tr., Aeneid,Book 1. 216-230.
The ancient site of Carthage was located in what is today Tunisia. As you can see from
the map (link below), the continent of Africa is at one of its closest points to Europe (the island of
Sicily) Carthage,then, could control trade from the eastern to the western Mediterranean.
Map of Tunisia
Carthage in Ancient Texts
Still under construction
- Building of the Temple of Solomon
- Vergil's Aeneid, Books 1 and 4
- St. Augustine's Confessions, Book 3 (beginning)
Mythical History of Carthage
According to the mythical tradition, Elissa (Elishat) took a group of Tyrians first to
Cyprus and then to the north coast of Africa opposite Sicily after her brother slew her husband. Because
of the tales of all her wanderings, she received the name 'Dido' (Deido)--the wanderer. The early
Roman epic poets and Vergil used the name 'Dido', and that is how we remember her. The story of
Aeneas' visit to Carthage is well known and celebrated. Below are images from the Vatican
Vergil--one of the earlies manuscripts of the works of Vergil, as well as a relief of Aeneas fleeing Troy
with his father Anchises and young son Ascanius (Iulus).
Altar relief of Aeneas found at Carthage. Dates to first century CE. Found on the
Byrsa hill. Photo from Khader and Soren, Carthage: Mosaic of Ancient Tunisia, p. 25
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Links to images of the Vatican Vergil
She climbed the pyre and bared the Dardan sword-/A gift desired once, for no such
need./Her eyes now on the Trojan clothing there/And the familiar bed, she paused a
little,/Weeping
a little, mindful, then lay down/And spoke her last words:....Aeneid, Book 4. 898-
903. Fitgerald translation
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Introduction
Carthage in Ancient Texts
Mythical Past of Carthage
History of Carthage
Topography of
Carthage
Table of Important
Dates in Carthaginian History
Bibliography
and Links |
