Introduction

The fall of Carthage in 146 BC is infamous even by the brutal standards of the ancient world. Roman forces under their general Scipio Imeleanas launched a final assault on the Bursa, the citadel of Carthage and the religious and administrative heart of the city. The siege ended in fittingly dramatic fashion with Hasdrebel losing his nerve and surrendering to Scipio. It was left to his wife to have the final word as she heaped scorn and abuse on her husband for his cowardly behaviour before throwing herself and their children into the flames.