Carthage

Carthage Founded in the ninth century BC, the city of Carthage was prominent in the history of antiquity. Important maritime, commercial and military power, Carthage beamed throughout Tunisia. Threatened by his influence, the Romans attacked in 256 BC. Three Punic wars later, Carthage bows before the Romans destroyed it completely in 146 BC.

In AD 29, the Romans rebuilt Carthage one second from the ashes of the previous one. Gradually Carthage develops into the capital of the Roman province of Africa. Fabulous wealth
of this time, there remains today no monument. But the ruins attest to the greatness of the Phoenician city worth visiting.

Byrsa Hill, center of the ancient Punic capital, offers a beautiful view of the Punic ports. This hill is occupied by the imposing St. Louis Cathedral. Built in 1890, it is a strange mixture of Byzantine and Moorish style. Inside, you can see plaques engraved with the names of the families who participated in the construction of the church. Nowadays, it is no longer used for religious services but only for concerts.

At the foot of the cathedral stand the remains of the most important area of ​​the city. Behind the remains of columns and pieces of walls, you will try to perceive (not without some effort of imagination) the construction of the prestigious city.

Then go up the hill at the Odeon, in the district of Roman villas. These homes of aristocrats were heavily damaged by time and do not have much left except some beautiful mosaics. The main house, called The Aviary because the mosaic pavement of the court, the date of the third century. This peristyle villa boasts a beautiful view of Carthage and Sidi Bou Said.

Besides sit Odeon (third), which was the largest building of its kind in his time, and drama. This theater of the second century could hold 11,000 people. Restored, it welcomes every summer Carthage International Festival.


Hard to imagine how were the Antonine Baths which there remains the basement. Fortunately a model was built to represent! Baths, built under Emperor Antoninus (142-162), had a large frigidarium over 15 m high and other huge bathrooms. By their huge size, these baths were probably among the most important of the Roman Empire. Taking the road behind the spa, you will have access to the ruins of old houses, a basilica and a Punic necropolis.

Begin your descent to the Punic ports. Stop by the passage neighborhood Magon. In addition to the ruins of a wall and breakwater, models are the main points of interest. They trace the evolution of the homes in this neighborhood inhabited since the fifth century BC.

Punic ports were very feared in antiquity. Composed of a commercial port and a military port, they were surrounded by walls. The military port was built in a very ingenious plan that allowed to hide the number of boats in harbor. Today, only two large pools are visible.

Finally, in the Salammbd district, Tophet is an ancient Punic sanctuary. Many white headstones surrounded by vegetation contain the ashes of children sacrificed. Archaeologists do not agree on the reasons for these sacrifices (expiation of the sins of the city?) And the fact that it was stillborn or not children.

Under these remarkable remains, the archaeological site of Carthage was inscribed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.


Contemporary Carthage Carthage is now a residential suburb of Tunis. Pretty villas, boutiques and chanceries up the modern landscape of this very site antique.Elle houses the presidential palace that he is forbidden to photograph (otherwise be confiscated his film!). Apparently, after being dethroned by Tunis, Carthage is once again the symbolic place of the Tunisian government.

Carthage is 17 km from Tunis. By car, take the Avenue Mohammed V and the direction of the Tunis-Carthage airport. Follow the Carthage exit. You can also take the commuter train and get off at the TGM-Salammbd or Carthage Carthage Hannibal station.