The Rest Is History 422. Ancient Carthage: Rise of a Superpower (Part 2)
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Feb 22, 2024 Discover the enigmatic rise of ancient Carthage, a city famed for its wealth and naval prowess. Learn about its unique political structure and how it navigated fierce competition from Greek rivals. The podcast delves into the violent aspects of Carthaginian culture, including shocking rituals and military strategies. It also highlights key figures like Hamilcar and Hanno, juxtaposing their ambitious campaigns with the eventual tragedy of their legacy. Explore how Carthage's influence set the stage for an epic rivalry with the emerging power of Rome.
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Scipio's Empathy
- Scipio Aemilianus wept for Carthage as it burned, pondering the fall of empires.
- This empathy is unusual for Romans, who generally viewed Carthaginians with hostility.
Carthage's Negative Portrayal
- Polybius, taken hostage by Rome, documented Carthage's destruction.
- The Romans' hatred stemmed from Carthage nearly destroying Rome, making their accounts biased.
Carthage and Cleopatra
- Carthage's image, like Cleopatra's, is skewed by enemy accounts.
- Timaeus, a Greek historian, even criticized Carthaginians for wearing underpants.
