17. Carthage - Empire Of The Phoenicians
Summary
Host Paul Cooper explores the rise and fall of Carthage, beginning with Gustave Flaubert’s 1858 journey to Tunisia for inspiration. The episode details Phoenician origins, their maritime innovations like the alphabet and trade networks that enabled Carthage’s founding by Dido, their expansion across the Mediterranean, and their complex political structure. It highlights Carthage’s golden age, including legendary voyages around Africa, before setting the stage for its eventual destruction.
Topics discussed
Sponsor and introduction
Flaubert's visit to Carthage and the novel Salambo
Phoenician origins, purple dye, and maritime trade
Tyre's wealth, alphabet, and the founding of Carthage
Dido's legend and Carthage's early growth
Carthaginian government and political structure
Hanno's voyage around Africa and exploration
Carthage's architecture, harbors, and daily life
Agriculture, diet, and war elephants
Early relations with Rome and the Greek colonies
Sicilian conflicts and the defeat of Agathocles
The Tophet and child sacrifice rituals
Pyrrhus of Epirus and the rise of Rome
Causes and outbreak of the First Punic War
Naval innovations and the end of the First Punic War
The Mercenary War and Carthaginian decline
Hannibal's rise and the start of the Second Punic War
Hannibal's crossing of the Alps
Battles of Trebia, Cannae, and Zama
Post-war Carthage and Cato's warnings
The Third Punic War and the destruction of Carthage
Legacy of Carthage and closing reflections
Credits, reading list, and sponsor announcements
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