New Carthage

Definition

New Carthage, also known as Cartagena, was a strategic port city established by the Carthaginians in the 3rd century BCE on the southeastern coast of modern Spain. It played a crucial role in the conflicts between Carthage and Rome during the Punic Wars, serving as a vital naval base and a center for trade and military operations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Carthage was founded around 227 BCE by Hasdrubal Barca as a base for military operations in Hispania and quickly became an important economic center.
2. The city was well-fortified and strategically located, making it a key naval hub for the Carthaginian fleet during the First and Second Punic Wars.
3. In 209 BCE, New Carthage was captured by Roman general Scipio Africanus, marking a significant turning point in the Second Punic War.
4. After its capture, New Carthage became an important base for Roman operations in Hispania, helping to solidify Roman control over the region.
5. The fall of New Carthage demonstrated the decline of Carthaginian power and highlighted Rome's expanding influence throughout the Mediterranean.

Review Questions

• How did New Carthage contribute to Carthaginian military strategies during the Punic Wars?
  • New Carthage served as a vital naval base for the Carthaginians, allowing them to launch military operations and maintain supply lines in the Mediterranean. Its strategic location made it essential for controlling maritime trade routes and supporting military campaigns against Rome. The city's fortifications and resources played a crucial role in the defense against Roman advances during key battles in both the First and Second Punic Wars.
• Discuss the significance of Scipio Africanus's capture of New Carthage in the broader context of the Second Punic War.
  • The capture of New Carthage by Scipio Africanus in 209 BCE marked a major turning point in the Second Punic War. It not only disrupted Carthaginian supply lines but also provided Rome with a secure base from which to launch further military operations in Hispania. This victory boosted Roman morale and showcased Scipio's military ingenuity, ultimately leading to further successes against Hannibal's forces.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of New Carthage's fall on both Carthaginian power and Roman expansion in the Mediterranean region.
  • The fall of New Carthage had profound long-term implications for both Carthaginian power and Roman expansion. It signified the decline of Carthage's influence in Hispania and showcased Rome's growing dominance. With control over New Carthage, Rome could effectively project its power throughout the Mediterranean, leading to further conquests and solidifying its status as a major imperial force. The loss of this key city also contributed to the eventual destruction of Carthage itself in 146 BCE.

Related terms

Carthage: An ancient Phoenician city-state located in present-day Tunisia, known for its powerful navy and rivalry with Rome.

Hannibal Barca: A famous Carthaginian general who led his forces, including war elephants, across the Alps to invade Italy during the Second Punic War.

Punic Wars: A series of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage from 264 BCE to 146 BCE, which ultimately led to the destruction of Carthage.