CHAPTER 1 : CARTHAGE, A MULTIDISCIPLINARY MEDITERRANEAN HERITAGE

General context

‘‘ It is by ensuring continuity between the past and the present that we will have the same chance to shape the future. Memory is an essential factor in human creativity.’’

Federico Mayor* - Memory of the Future

Carthage is the gateway to Tunisia through its opening to the Mediterranean. It inflames, not only the hearts of the Tunisians but also of all the Mediterranean people, with its various legends surrounding Roman and Carthaginian archaeological sites and its rich landscape. Those elements represent a universal heritage that stimulates the imagination and the international literature all over the world.

In ancient times, the choice of Carthage’s location was essentially determined by its favourable circumstances thanks to its strategic position. The city opens onto the Mediterranean: a well thought-out choice by the Carthaginians to control navigation.

Carthage of today is located about 15 kilometres north-east of Tunisia, on a hill about 57 m above sea level, with a coastline that stretches for about 3 km. The city is located in the centre of the peninsula with La Marsa to the north, La Goulette to the south and Sidi Bou Said to the northeast.

* Federico Mayor is a Spanish politician, scientist, diplomat and poet. He was Director General of UNESCO from 1987 to 1999.