Carthage

A brief history

Carthage is an ancient city, of the Pheonician and Punic period, dating from the 6th century BC. It was a powerful base for a trading empire which span the entire south Mediterranean – home to a population near half a million people. The most famous general was Hannibal, who suffered his first significant defeat in 202BC – the end of the 2nd Punic war. For 50 years, Carthage was watched by Rome, and was eventually attacked in the 3rd Punic war. The citizens tried to protect Carthage against Rome, but lost. Punic Carthage was destroyed. The site was redeveloped by Romans a century later, and Carthage became the capital of the Roman province of Africa.

Visiting Carthage

Although Carthage is mostly in ruins now, it is a UNESCO world heritage site, and has many interesting sites to visit. If you travel on your own without a bus tour, you may find yourself isolated in the Amphitheatre, wondering why it is that no one else is here; why there is no one at the front gates, no one to charge admission. A visit to the Roman Baths does require an admission charge. They are in a large, park like setting over looking the Gulf of Tunis – if you like planning picnic lunches while traveling, this would be an ideal location.

To get to Carthage

Carthage is very easy to get to from the capital city of Tunis, and is not a long walk from the Tunis central train station. You simply catch the TGM light rail line (the above ground metro), and proceed to the Carthage-Hannibal station. All Carthage sites are easy walking distance from here – though there are a couple stops in Carthage so another station may be more appropriate.
Tip: Take the TGM rail line all the way to Sidi Bou Said (past Carthage), and stop in Carthage before returning to Tunis.