Tides of History Why Was Carthage Such a Threat to Rome? Interview with Dr. Bret Devereaux, Part 2
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May 22, 2025 Dr. Bret Devereaux, a teaching assistant professor at North Carolina State University and author of 'Of Arms and Men', returns to discuss why Carthage was a formidable rival to Rome. He highlights the similarities between the two powers and debunks biases that have tarnished Carthage's legacy. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding ancient texts in their original languages and the challenges posed by limited sources. Additionally, Devereaux explores Hannibal's military strategies, emphasizing the complexity and resilience of Carthaginian tactics.
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Carthage's Similarity to Rome
- Carthage closely resembled Rome in political and social structure, making it Rome's fiercest enemy.
- Both were imperial republics with similar institutions despite different cultural origins.
Bias and Source Issues on Carthage
- Our primary sources on Carthage are all Greek and Roman, who viewed Carthage as an enemy.
- Punic language sources are scarce and difficult to interpret, limiting our understanding.
Trust Specialist Punic Scholars
- To understand ancient Carthage well, trust scholars skilled in Punic language and inscriptions.
- Recognize that studying Punic material requires rare language skills seldom taught today.
