Fall of Civilizations Podcast - Episode 17: Carthage - Empire Of The Phoenicians

Host: Paul Cooper
Release Date: April 11, 2023

Introduction: The Call of Carthage

Paul Cooper opens the episode by weaving a narrative around the French novelist Gustave Flaubert's quest to resurrect the lost civilization of Carthage. Struggling with his own creative demons, Flaubert immerses himself in the ruins of ancient Carthage, ultimately inspiring a successful publication that reignites interest in this once-great empire.

Gustave Flaubert [03:05]: "In the green wheat full of flowering poppies, the road climbs a little... We are walking on the remains of a Roman."

This introduction sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of Carthage's rise, flourishing culture, and eventual downfall.

Phoenician Origins: Masters of the Mediterranean

Carthage's story begins with its Phoenician roots. Emerging over 4,000 years ago from the city-states of Tyre, Sidon, and Byblos in present-day Lebanon, the Phoenicians were renowned traders and seafarers.

Pliny the Elder [12:03]: "For purple, the rods and axes of Rome clear a path... It distinguishes senator from noble..."

Their innovative production of Tyrian purple dye from murex snails not only brought immense wealth but also established the Phoenician Alphabet—a simplified 22-letter system that became the foundation for all Western alphabets.

Gustave Flaubert [25:14]: "Phoenicians who came with Cadmus brought with them to Greece... the Alphabet."

The Phoenicians' maritime prowess led them to establish colonies across the Mediterranean, including the strategic settlement of Carthage in North Africa.

Founding of Carthage: A City of Survival and Ambition

Founded by the legendary Queen Elissa (later known as Dido), Carthage was strategically located on a natural harbor, safeguarded by sheer cliffs and a network of defensive walls.

Dido [34:25]: "She climbed onto the bed and spoke her last words. Accept this soul and loose me from my sorrows."

Carthage quickly transformed from a modest settlement into a thriving metropolis, boasting advanced infrastructure like the innovative Kothon harbor and bustling marketplaces known as the Agora.

Appian [58:01]: "The harbours had communication with each other and a common entrance from the sea..."

Carthaginian Society and Governance: Wealth and Power

Carthage was governed by an oligarchic system, with power concentrated in the hands of wealthy merchants and landowners. The political structure balanced civil leadership with military command, although critics like Aristotle warned of potential corruption due to the emphasis on wealth over merit.

Polybius [42:20]: "They think that the rulers should be chosen not only for their merit but also for their wealth."

The city's society was marked by its cosmopolitan nature, with diverse populations contributing to its rich cultural tapestry. Carthaginians excelled in various crafts, from metalworking to building grand temples dedicated to deities like Melqart.

Expansion and Trade: Building an Empire

To meet the insatiable demands of their Assyrian overlords, the Phoenicians expanded their trade network across the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic. Establishing colonies in places like Utica and Lixus, they capitalized on rich resources like silver and iron, facilitating their economic dominance.

Gustave Flaubert [27:22]: "What made the center of their power drift westward... they founded Carthage."

Their economic ingenuity extended to maritime innovations and the development of financial instruments resembling ancient capitalism, including maritime insurance and interest-bearing loans.

Conflict with Rome: The Rise of a Rival

As Rome expanded its influence in Italy, tensions with Carthage simmered, particularly over strategic locations like Sicily. The first Punic War erupted in 264 BC following disputes involving the Mamertines of Messina, leading to a protracted conflict that showcased both powers' military prowess.

Gustave Flaubert [76:00]: "Repetition of the same thing four or five times was... very impractical."

Despite initial Carthaginian naval dominance, Rome's adaptability and innovations, such as the Corvus boarding bridge, gradually shifted the balance in Rome's favor.

The Punic Wars: Struggle for Supremacy

The Punic Wars, a series of three conflicts, were pivotal in determining Mediterranean supremacy. Key moments include:

• Second Punic War (218-201 BC): Hannibal Barca's audacious crossing of the Alps with elephants remains legendary. His victories at Trebia and Cannae inflicted devastating losses on Rome, but his inability to secure lasting alliances and sustain his army ultimately led to his defeat at Zama.

  Gustave Flaubert [106:22]: "We are told that Pyrrhus said... if we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined."

• Third Punic War (149-146 BC): Driven by Rome's determination to annihilate Carthage, the final siege ended in the complete destruction of the city. Accounts from ancient historians like Appian and Polybius detail the brutal massacres and the city's utter devastation.

  Appian [196:18]: "They reflected that their city was without arms... Their enemies were in possession of their children, their arms and their territory."

Carthage's Demise and Legacy: From Empire to Ashes

Carthage's fall marked the end of a great civilization. The city's rich culture, technological innovations, and extensive trade networks were obliterated, leaving little trace for future generations. Archaeological findings confirm some aspects of historical accounts, such as the existence of ritual sites, though the extent of practices like child sacrifice remains debated.

Gustave Flaubert [95:28]: "Human sacrifice is not legal but unholy. Whereas the Carthaginians perform it as a thing they account holy and legal."

The destruction of Carthage served as a stark lesson in the relentless expansion and determination of Rome, which would go on to shape the course of Western civilization.

Conclusion: Echoes of Carthage

The episode closes by reflecting on how Carthage, once a formidable empire, was reduced to ruins, its history largely erased by Rome. Modern perspectives and archaeological discoveries offer glimpses into its grandeur, though much remains lost to time.

Paul Cooper [212:28]: "Nothing about the war had changed the city's central role in the network of Mediterranean trade... All of these works were taken by the Romans. Some were simply burned."

Through Flaubert's literary journey and historical recounting, the episode underscores the transient nature of civilizations and the enduring legacy they leave behind.

Homer [214:35]: "Lo it lieth earth to earth all to which that earth gave birth... Thy great victories only show all is nothingness below."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Gustave Flaubert [03:05]: "In the green wheat full of flowering poppies... walking on the remains of a Roman."

• Pliny the Elder [12:03]: "For purple, the rods and axes of Rome clear a path..."

• Gustave Flaubert [25:14]: "Phoenicians who came with Cadmus brought with them to Greece... the Alphabet."

• Polybius [42:20]: "They think that the rulers should be chosen not only for their merit but also for their wealth."

• Appian [58:01]: "The harbours had communication with each other and a common entrance from the sea..."

• Gustave Flaubert [76:00]: "Repetition of the same thing four or five times was... very impractical."

• Appian [196:18]: "They reflected that their city was without arms... Their enemies were in possession of their children, their arms and their territory."

• Gustave Flaubert [95:28]: "Human sacrifice is not legal but unholy... perform it as a thing they account holy and legal."

• Paul Cooper [212:28]: "Nothing about the war had changed the city's central role in the network of Mediterranean trade..."

• Homer [214:35]: "Lo it lieth earth to earth all to which that earth gave birth... Thy great victories only show all is nothingness below."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of Carthage's history, culture, and its inevitable clash with Rome that led to its demise. Through vivid storytelling and expert analysis, Paul Cooper brings to life the complex dynamics that defined one of history's most intriguing civilizations.

For listeners eager to delve deeper into Carthage's legacy and its lessons on the rise and fall of civilizations, this episode offers a rich, engaging narrative supported by historical evidence and illustrative quotes.

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