422. Ancient Carthage: Rise of a Superpower (Part 2)

Founding Myths

The founding myths of Carthage, particularly the story of Dido and the oxhide, are both captivating and symbolic of its strategic location. Tom Holland explains that the tale of Dido cutting an oxhide into strips to claim land is a charming legend, though not historically accurate. The true significance of Carthage's location lies in its ability to dominate key trade routes between Phoenicia and Spain, as well as north-south routes to Sicily and Italy, which fueled its rapid growth 1.

Carthage is perfectly placed to control all this kind of trade. And as a result of this, it grows very fast.

--- Tom Holland

This advantageous position allowed Carthage to expand swiftly, with its population reaching tens of thousands within a century of its founding 1.

   

Rise of Carthage

Carthage's rise as a superpower was marked by its strategic expansion and the establishment of trading posts across the western Mediterranean. Initially a trading city, Carthage began planting settlements on islands like Sardinia, which were more akin to forts and markets rather than towns 2. Dominic Sandbrook notes that by the 6th century BC, Carthage had become the dominant power, displacing its Phoenician motherland due to economic shifts and geopolitical changes 2.

Carthage is the most powerful city. Even at this stage.

--- Dominic Sandbrook

The city's influence extended to Sicily, where it clashed with Greek settlers, leading to a burgeoning rivalry that would shape the region's history 3.