David
Moran
2014-10-14
The Rise of the Carthaginian Empire (Rough Draft)
During ancient times, Carthage was founded as a Phoenician trading city. Through a combination of military superiority, aggressive colonization, and the establishment of the foremost Mediterranean trading empire, Carthage grew from a small Phoenician city to establish its own empire, and become one of the most powerful forces in ancient times.
Carthage built up a large navy to protect its trading vessels and expand its empire, while its mercenary army kept out local invaders and seized enemy settlements for Carthaginian expansion. At the height of its power, the Carthaginian navy held over two hundred and twenty warships. (Bulliet, p.77-78) It was necessary for Carthage to build such a large navy to protect all of its trading interests in the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean was a dangerous place to to trade, filled with pirates and foreign empires who loved to steal valuable goods from the rich Carthaginians. Competing empires would often raid Carthaginian settlements and ports in order to expand their own influence. The Carthaginian navy was key to protecting the…show more content… The traders would unload their goods and then light large smoky fires to alert people. Natives would then pile gold on the ground until the Carthaginian traders were satisfied, and then the traders would take the gold, and leave the products. (Herodotus) As trade expanded and the need for more efficient commerce became apparent, the Carthaginians would establish trading posts and colonies alongside ports. This created a valuable trade network whereby goods could be sold, ships repaired, food and valuable products acquired, and raw materials bought and sold. In times of war, these ports were necessary for maintaining the vast Carthaginian fleets, and keeping war materiél flowing to their armies. (Bagnall p.84 -