Carthage is an ancient city located on the coast of present-day Tunisia, about 15 kilometers east of the modern capital city, Tunis. It was founded by Phoenician settlers from the city of Tyre in the 9th century BCE and quickly grew into a powerful city-state that controlled much of the western Mediterranean.
Carthage played a major role in Mediterranean history, engaging in numerous wars with Rome over several centuries. The three Punic Wars, fought between Carthage and Rome, were some of the most significant conflicts in ancient history. The Second Punic War, led by the Carthaginian general Hannibal, saw him famously cross the Alps with his army to attack Rome from the north.
Carthage was eventually destroyed by the Romans in 146 BCE, and the site was later used for Roman settlements and fortifications. Today, the archaeological site of Carthage is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains the remains of ancient buildings and monuments, such as the Antonine Baths, the Tophet (a sacred area where Carthaginians performed child sacrifices), the Punic Ports, and the Roman Amphitheater. The Carthage National Museum houses many of the artifacts found at the site, including pottery, statues, and mosaics. The ancient city also features stunning views of the Mediterranean and is a popular tourist destination.