Punic ports of Carthage, Ancient naval complex in Carthage, Tunisia
The Punic ports of Carthage consist of two connected basins, one for merchant vessels and one for warships, linked by channels and passages. The complex spreads across several hectares and includes docks, storage buildings, and supply facilities designed to accommodate hundreds of ships daily.
These ports were founded in the 9th century BC by Phoenician settlers and transformed Carthage into a dominant Mediterranean naval power. Over centuries they were expanded and improved until Roman conquest dramatically altered their role and eventual decline.
These ports were meeting places where merchants, craftspeople, and sailors gathered daily to conduct business and share news. The nearby Tophet sanctuary served as a spiritual center connected to maritime life, where people performed rituals tied to their seafaring culture.
The ruins are best explored during daylight hours so you can clearly see the different basins and canal layout. Guided tours help explain how the ancient engineers designed this system and where different types of vessels were positioned.
The military harbor basin was circular in design and provided specialized berths for around 220 warships, a remarkable engineering achievement for its era. This round shape allowed ships to be maneuvered and protected efficiently, demonstrating the strategic intelligence behind the design.
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