Tunisia: Ancient Carthage

Founded around 1000 BC by the Phoenician Queen Dido, Carthage grew to be the most important and powerful trading centre on the Mediterranean and in the known world. The mighty fleet of hundreds of armed ships was an efficient deterrent against invaders for many centuries. Its geographical situation as the gateway to Africa (today only six hours by boat from Sicily), meant that it was a crucial strategic post which the Romans fought hard to attain. After the 3rd and final Punic war the Romans sacked Carthage in 146 BC, destroyed much of the old town and set about constructing the Pro-Consular capital of Africa from the debris.