Ancient Carthage, located in present-day Tunisia, was one of the most powerful and influential civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BCE, it grew into a dominant maritime empire known for its trade, military strength, and advanced urban planning. Daily life in Carthage was shaped by its economy, social structure, culture, and religious practices.
Social Structure and Family Life
Carthaginian society was hierarchical, with an elite ruling class that controlled trade, politics, and religious institutions. The wealthy aristocrats, often from powerful merchant families, lived in large, luxurious homes, while the middle class comprised artisans, traders, and skilled laborers. The lower class included farmers, fishermen, and slaves who worked in households, workshops, and agricultural fields.
Families played a crucial role in Carthaginian society. Women, while generally expected to manage domestic affairs, could also own property and engage in business. Some Carthaginian women, particularly from noble families, played significant roles in religious and social life.
Housing and Urban Life
Carthage was a well-planned city with organized residential districts, markets, temples, and harbors. Wealthy citizens lived in multi-story houses with courtyards, decorated with mosaics and frescoes. The poorer population resided in smaller, simpler homes made of mud bricks or stone. The city featured an advanced water supply system with aqueducts, cisterns, and drainage channels.
Economy and Occupations
Carthage’s economy was heavily based on trade, with its strategic location allowing it to dominate maritime commerce in the Mediterranean. Merchants engaged in trade with Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Iberia, dealing in goods such as gold, silver, textiles, glassware, and exotic animals. Agriculture was also a major economic activity, with olive oil, wine, and grain production being vital.
Artisans crafted pottery, metalwork, and textiles, contributing to Carthage’s prosperity. The city was also known for its shipbuilding industry, which supported its formidable navy. Slaves formed a crucial part of the economy, working in fields, households, and workshops.
Food and Diet
The Carthaginian diet was diverse and included grains, bread, fish, meat (especially lamb and goat), fruits, and vegetables. Olive oil and wine were staple products. Carthaginians enjoyed a variety of spices and condiments, and meals were often accompanied by honey and nuts. The elite had access to more lavish meals, while the lower classes relied on simpler fare.
Clothing and Personal Adornment
Carthaginians wore garments influenced by both Phoenician and Greek styles. Men typically dressed in tunics or long robes, while women wore flowing dresses, often embroidered or dyed in rich colors. Both men and women adorned themselves with jewelry made of gold, silver, and precious stones. Wealthy individuals also wore intricate hairstyles and perfumes.
Religion and Worship
Religion played a central role in Carthaginian life, with a pantheon of gods influenced by Phoenician and local traditions. The chief deity was Baal Hammon, associated with fertility and prosperity, and his consort Tanit, a mother goddess. Temples and altars were scattered throughout the city, where offerings and rituals were performed.
One of the most controversial aspects of Carthaginian religion is the debated practice of child sacrifice, which some ancient sources claim was conducted at the Tophet, a sacred burial ground. While this remains a subject of scholarly debate, there is evidence that religious ceremonies and sacrifices were an integral part of society.
Education and Learning
Education in Carthage was primarily for the elite, with children of wealthy families receiving training in literacy, mathematics, philosophy, and trade. Many Carthaginians were multilingual, speaking Punic (a derivative of Phoenician), Greek, and later Latin. Carthaginian scholars contributed to fields such as agriculture, navigation, and military strategy.
Entertainment and Leisure
Carthaginians enjoyed various forms of entertainment, including music, dance, and sports. Theaters hosted performances, while public spaces were used for social gatherings and debates. Chariot racing and wrestling were popular sports, and citizens often attended festivals honoring their gods.
Markets and bazaars were bustling centers of activity where people shopped, socialized, and exchanged news. Public baths, similar to those later adopted by the Romans, provided spaces for relaxation and hygiene.
Military Life
Carthage was renowned for its powerful navy and mercenary armies. Military service was a prestigious career, and the city employed soldiers from diverse backgrounds, including Numidians, Iberians, and Greeks. Warfare was a constant part of Carthaginian history, particularly during the Punic Wars against Rome.
Conclusion
Daily life in Carthage was a blend of commerce, culture, and tradition, shaped by its Phoenician heritage and Mediterranean influences. As a thriving metropolis, Carthage left a lasting legacy in trade, architecture, and governance. Though ultimately destroyed by Rome in 146 BCE, its impact on history remains profound.
