Carthaginians in Sardinia

Cutura fenicio-punica, diademal, lamina d'oro lavorata a sbalzo

To change the relative balance established in Sardinia in the Phoenician age between different cultural forces, the Punics, or the “Phoenicians” of Carthage, the powerful Phoenician colony founded in North Africa towards the end of the 9th century BC, arrived on the island around the middle of the 6th century BC. The passage of Sardinia under Carthaginian rule further accentuated the phenomenon of integration between Sardis and Phoenicians. This phenomenon remained active for a long time even after the Roman conquest of the island.
On the contrary, the encounter on the island between Phoenicians and Carthaginians provoked that conflict that had not manifested itself in the contact between the Nuragic and Phoenician peoples.
The archaeological data collected at Monte Sirai, one of the key sites for the Phoenician and Punic strategy of territorial control of the island, show obvious signs of destruction and fire that can be traced precisely to the moment when the Carthaginians arrived in Sardinia.
The success of the Carthaginians's ambitions to conquer the island was also facilitated by the political-military alliance with the Etruscans, which had repercussions not only local, but also in the Mediterranean chessboard.
The Carthaginian presence was strengthened by the creation of new cities, such as Cornus (Saint Catherine of Pittinuri) and Neapolis (Guspini). New smaller centers and fortifications were also created scattered in various areas of the island's territory.
Agricultural exploitation, aimed in particular at cereal production, became particularly intense at this stage.

Update

17/7/2025 - 12:28