10 Of The World’s Greatest Ancient Cities

8. Carthage: Trading Hub Of The Mediterranean World

The Decline of the Carthaginian Empire by Joseph Mallord William Turner, c.1800, via the Tate Gallery


The Decline of the Carthaginian Empire by Joseph Mallord William Turner, c.1800, via the Tate Gallery 
Before clashing with the Romans, Carthage was one of the wealthiest ancient cities in the Mediterranean and the center of a maritime trading empire. Phoenician sailors, likely from the powerful city-state of Tyre, founded the city in 814 BC.
Carthaginian traders spread across the seas, establishing colonies in Sicily, Spain, and the rest of the North African coast. Ebony, ivory, and gold flowed through Carthage from the African interior. Carthaginian merchants also traded in salt, spices, furs, and expensive purple Phoenician dyes made from murex seashells. 
Carthage’s status as a center of trade was made possible by its twin harbors. The rectangular outer harbor was used strictly for trading vessels, protected by a long sea wall. The circular inner harbor housed Carthage’s mighty navy, with berths for 220 warships. 
The Byrsa hill, which held an immense citadel, overlooked the harbor. The city’s residential neighborhoods were spread out below.
Carthage was ruled by two elected ruling magistrates called suffetes, who consulted the Senate for advice. One suffete presided over domestic government, while the other held command over the Carthaginian army and its mercenary allies.
Carthage dominated the Mediterranean for centuries. But during the three Punic Wars, Carthage fought against the emerging might of Rome. After over a century of bitter fighting, the Romans besieged Carthage in 149 BC. 
After two years, the Romans finally broke through. They ransacked the city and massacred or enslaved the surviving civilians. Carthage was utterly destroyed, and Rome finally became the dominant power in the Mediterranean.


9. Rome: The Greatest Of All Ancient Cities

The Colosseum, Rome, c. 70 AD, via Unsplash

The seat of one of the greatest empires in history, Rome is arguably the most famous of all ancient cities. The city was founded in the 8th century BC and gradually expanded across the Seven Hills of Rome. Initially ruled by kings, Rome became a republic in 509 BC. Guided by the Senate, Rome expanded its territory for nearly 500 years. 

After a power struggle following Julius Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC, the Republic was replaced by the Roman Empire under the first emperor Augustus. At its greatest extent in 117 AD, the Roman Empire encompassed most of Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor, and Mesopotamia.
The Forum was the civic center of the city, containing the Senate house and administrative buildings. To honor Rome’s military conquests, great generals received spectacular triumphs that marched down the Sacra Via. Gladiatorial contests were held in the iconic Colosseum, while 150,000 spectators could enjoy chariot racing at the Circus Maximus. 
Rome encompassed around one million inhabitants and was deeply divided between rich and poor despite its power and wealth. While the wealthy lounged in palatial villas, the poor lived in sprawling slums.
Throughout its long history, Rome endured civil wars, plagues, and other disasters. In 64 AD a great fire swept across Rome. Hundreds died and ten of Rome’s 14 districts were destroyed. 
As its power declined in the 5th Century AD, Rome was sacked by various barbarian groups and its population ebbed away. The Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 AD.