The Destruction of Carthage Delenda Est (Podcast)

Описание: The Rivalry Between Rome and Carthage



The ancient city of Carthage was a major power located in North Africa across the sea from Italy. Rome and Carthage became bitter rivals because both nations wanted to control trade routes in the Mediterranean Sea. This competition led to a series of long and violent conflicts known as the Punic Wars. Carthage possessed a powerful navy while Rome was famous for its disciplined and strong land army. The tension between these two empires lasted for over one hundred years of human history.



The First Two Punic Wars



The First Punic War began over the control of the island of Sicily located near the Italian coast. Rome eventually won this initial conflict and forced Carthage to pay a large amount of money in silver. During the Second Punic War, the famous general Hannibal led his army and many elephants across the high Alps to attack Italy. Although Hannibal won many battles, he was eventually defeated at the Battle of Zama by the Roman general Scipio. Carthage lost most of its territory and its military power was severely limited by the peace treaty.



The Rise of Roman Suspicion



Even though Carthage was no longer a military threat, it began to grow wealthy again through successful farming and trade. Many Roman leaders watched this recovery with great fear and believed Carthage might try to start another war. They were worried that a rich Carthage would eventually rebuild its army and challenge Rome once more. This suspicion grew stronger every year as Roman merchants complained about competition from North African traders. Roman politicians began to argue that the city of Carthage was still a danger to their safety.



Cato the Elder and His Message



Cato the Elder was a very famous Roman politician who served in the Senate for many years. He was convinced that Rome would never be truly safe as long as the city of Carthage existed. Every time he finished a speech in the Senate, he added a specific phrase regardless of the topic he was discussing. He famously said that Carthage must be destroyed to ensure the lasting peace of the Roman Republic. His constant repetition of this message eventually convinced many other leaders that they must take action.



The Meaning of Delenda Est



The Latin phrase Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam is the origin of the famous saying used today. In English, this translates to the simple but firm statement that Carthage must be destroyed. This slogan became a powerful tool for propaganda among the citizens and soldiers of ancient Rome. It represented a policy of total war where the goal was the complete removal of an enemy. The phrase showed the world that Rome was no longer interested in treaties or shared power.



The Start of the Third Punic War



The Third Punic War began after Carthage defended itself against a neighboring kingdom without asking for Roman permission. Rome used this technical violation of the old peace treaty as an excuse to declare a final war. They demanded that the Carthaginians move their entire city several miles away from the coast. The people of Carthage refused to leave their homes and prepared for a desperate fight for survival. This conflict was much shorter than the previous wars but was far more destructive for the city.