This is carthage, or at least bits of Carthage that were reused by the Romans when the Romans finally one the Punic wars after three goes at it.
Ask our good friend Chat GPT to explain the Carthegian Empire and it will tell you this:
The Carthaginian Empire, centered in the city of Carthage (in modern-day Tunisia), was a powerful maritime and trading empire that thrived in the western Mediterranean from the 9th century BCE until its fall in 146 BCE. Founded by Phoenician settlers from the city of Tyre, Carthage grew rapidly due to its strategic location and advanced naval capabilities.
Carthage became the dominant power in the western Mediterranean, establishing colonies and trading posts throughout North Africa, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and parts of Spain. Its wealth came largely from trade, agriculture, and tribute from its colonies. Carthaginian society was heavily influenced by its Phoenician roots, featuring a polytheistic religion, a merchant aristocracy, and a complex political system led by elected officials called suffetes.
The Carthaginians are perhaps best known for their rivalry with Rome, which culminated in the three Punic Wars (264–146 BCE). The most famous Carthaginian military leader was Hannibal Barca, who led his army, including war elephants, across the Alps to invade Italy during the Second Punic War. Despite his military brilliance and initial victories, Hannibal was eventually defeated.
The Third Punic War ended with the complete destruction of Carthage by Rome in 146 BCE. The city was burned, its population enslaved or killed, and the territory was annexed as the Roman province of Africa.
Carthage's legacy includes its advanced naval technology, trade networks, and contributions to agriculture and commerce. Though much of its written history was lost—mainly because Roman sources dominate what survives—archaeological evidence and historical records suggest that Carthage was a sophisticated and influential civilization whose rivalry with Rome helped shape the course of Western history.
but back to me - picture it It's my second day in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, we have just been picked up by our guide and we are off to see some ruins of this empire. This is what we see, which I think at the time is pretty darn cool, I mean it's a few thousand years old, and with a little bit of imagination you can sort of see it.
What I didn't know at the time was that these would be the least interesting ruins I would see over the next week as we travelled through Tunisia and saw some amazing places like El Jem and Monastir. I've done a lot of post about Tunisia, but this might be my last so I'm going to say this again, if you have the chance go to Tunisia - it is amazing and unlike anything else you will see.
