Carthage

قرطاج / Carthage

The ruins of the ancient Carthaginian empire and the capital of the Roman province of Africa, scattered along the sea on the outskirts of Tunis. Highlights include Byrsa Hill, the Antonine Baths, and the Punic harbors.

Carthage was founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BCE. It became a powerful state dominating the western Mediterranean and fought three Punic Wars against Rome. In 146 BCE, Rome destroyed it. Later, it was rebuilt as the capital of the Roman province of Africa. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The ruins are not concentrated in one place. They are spread across several sites within today's upscale residential neighborhoods of Carthage. Byrsa Hill was the citadel of the ancient city. It is home to the Carthage Museum and the remains of Punic-era houses, and the summit offers views over the bay. By the sea, the Antonine Baths were among the largest Roman baths in Africa, and their massive columns and underground structures are impressive. Other sites include the Punic circular military harbor and commercial port, Tophet (a child-sacrifice cemetery), a Roman theater, and a Roman villa district. A combined ticket covers all sites and costs about ten-odd dinars (check on site). You can take the TGM suburban light rail and get off at Carthage Hannibal or Carthage Byrsa stations, then walk. Half a day is enough to see the main sites. It is best combined with nearby Sidi Bou Said as a one-day trip. Part of the site is close to the Presidential Palace, and photography facing that direction is prohibited.

Carthage

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