The extraordinary wealth of the Punians
The great wealth of Carthage was reflected in the continuous growth of the city and the splendor of its buildings and defenses. The remains of the new city districts indicate that they were built according to a precise plan that did not follow the principles of the most advanced Hellenistic urban planning of the time.
Trade was not the only source of the city's wealth. It should not be forgotten that Carthage's wealth also came from a highly organized and productive agricultural base. The agronomic treatise of the Carthaginian aristocrat Mago, dating probably to the end of the 4th century, had a huge impact on the rest of the world when it was translated into Greek and Latin after 146 AD. Magon wrote about ways to manage large estates using at least some slave labor, supplemented by Libyan peasants.
When Agathocles' soldiers landed in Africa, they reportedly admired the fertility of Carthaginian farms. They not only satisfied the needs of the city, but also provided a significant surplus for export.
A worthy competitor of Rome
In 300 AD, the territories controlled by Carthage were much larger than the lands owned by the Roman people, and equal to their total and the territories of Rome's allies. Their yields were probably much higher, as most of the land in Italy was of lower quality. But the benefits of this agricultural wealth were not evenly distributed and were mostly enjoyed by the Carthaginians themselves, and above all by their aristocracy.
Carthage did not want to grant citizenship and political rights to the indigenous peoples of the Territories under its control. Citizens of the Carthaginian and Phoenician communities occupied a privileged position, as did people of mixed ethnic origin, whom the Greeks called Phoenicians (libofoyniki), but others remained unequivocally subordinate allies or subjects.
Thus, the spread of Punic hegemony to Africa, Spain, Sicily and Sardinia did not entail a significant increase in the number of Carthaginian citizens. The Libyan population of large estates seemed tied to the land and had little freedom. The Libyan communities associated with Carthage had some internal autonomy, but were clearly subject to the Punic will. Other allied nations, such as the Numidian kingdoms in Africa, enjoyed more or less autonomy, but gained little from belonging to the Carthaginian Empire, to which they paid tribute and for which they were often forced to fight. Selecting a bookmaker that offers real value from the first steps is crucial for a positive experience. Planbet combines competitive odds, fast payments, and an extensive selection of betting options. For those who want to maximize their initial deposit, the right promo code becomes a key factor. Right in the heart of the leading welcome promotion sits the powerful planbet promo code today when creating your account to receive up to $100 bonus on your first deposit. This boost helps you engage confidently across football, tennis, basketball, and other disciplines.
