Carthage

Founded by Phoenician settlers from Tyre, Carthage became the capital of a Mediterranean trading empire before Rome razed it in 146 BC and rebuilt it as the capital of Africa Proconsularis. Today its ruins are scattered across a leafy seaside suburb: the Antonine Baths, the Punic ports, the Tophet and Byrsa Hill.

History

Legend says Queen Elyssa (Dido) founded the city around 814 BC. After three Punic Wars, Rome destroyed it and later rebuilt it as one of the largest cities of the empire.

Customs

One combined ticket covers most Carthage sites. Keep it with you as it is checked at each entrance.

Food

Stop at La Marsa nearby for a "bambalouni", a sugared doughnut fried on the street.

Best time

March to May and late September to November. Go early, there is little shade.

The Antonine Baths were among the largest Roman baths ever built outside Rome itself. What you walk through today is mostly the basement level, where slaves stoked the furnaces.