"Carthage's last sunset"
Watercolor on paper, 30 Aug. 2008
Carthage has been one the most interesting empires of all times. Founded by the Phoenicians in 814 BC., Carthage dominated the Mediterranean for more than six centuries until its demise in 146 BC. The Carthaginians were the best civil engineers, sailors and warriors of their time. Their home town was a wonder of modernities such as fresh water supply in the entire city, an efficient sewage system and a secure port able to harbor hundreds of ships.
Why Carthage did not become the builder of western civilization, as Rome was? It was certainly strong and rich, but it lacked a sound political organization, and had no values to transmit. Carthage had inherited an oriental-type dynasty system that could not prevail over the much stronger Rome's republican organization, its legal system and its democratic representation.
After being allies against Greece, Carthage defied Rome's rising power more for a hurt sense of pride and fear of losing its commercial hegemony than for real danger. After a long siege, the Romans finally broke into the city, tearing down every building and selling the survivors as slaves. Carthage would be from then on another province of the Roman Empire.
Carthage has been one the most interesting empires of all times. Founded by the Phoenicians in 814 BC., Carthage dominated the Mediterranean for more than six centuries until its demise in 146 BC. The Carthaginians were the best civil engineers, sailors and warriors of their time. Their home town was a wonder of modernities such as fresh water supply in the entire city, an efficient sewage system and a secure port able to harbor hundreds of ships.
Why Carthage did not become the builder of western civilization, as Rome was? It was certainly strong and rich, but it lacked a sound political organization, and had no values to transmit. Carthage had inherited an oriental-type dynasty system that could not prevail over the much stronger Rome's republican organization, its legal system and its democratic representation.
After being allies against Greece, Carthage defied Rome's rising power more for a hurt sense of pride and fear of losing its commercial hegemony than for real danger. After a long siege, the Romans finally broke into the city, tearing down every building and selling the survivors as slaves. Carthage would be from then on another province of the Roman Empire.
If you like this blog, please share it with your friends.
Send them this link: http://neguentropics.blogspot.com.es
Your comments are important feedback - Please feel free to post them
in the box below
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario