The landscape richness of Carthage

• The topography of Carthage

The topography of Carthage is marked mainly by the hills of Byrsa, and Odeon, followed by the Sayda Plateau.

The geographical and topographical configuration of Carthage, protects the city from the possible inconveniences and embarrassments of the greater-Tunis and increases its attraction as a place of residence among the elites. If Carthage is not the capital, it tends to be the political pole, a ‘‘ Place of emblematic power ’’according to Sophie Bessis. *

• The tree in the urban environment of Carthage

Despite the intensive urban development, the Carthage region still has natural signs where vegetation is developing characteristic of a semi-arid environment with a mild winter and mediterranean climate. The site is characterized by the richness of its woody heritage. Several botanical families are represented inter- and intra-specific diversity are well observed. These botanical families include the following examples: Fabaceae, Araucariaceae, Moraceae, Ulmaceae, Solanaceae, Verbenaceae, Rutaceae, Arecaceae...This diversity constitutes a real wealth to singularize the region with an aspect of international arboreal heritage.

* Sophie Bessis is a Tunisian-born French historian, journalist, researcher, and feminist author.

Fig9. Topographical review of Carthage, Source: Personal illustration, Graphic technique: collage

• The alchemy between Carthage and the Mediterranean sea

Carthage occupies a strategic position of the Mediterranean and it marks the stratification of several civilizations that have marked its territory. This is what makes this site a seat of a maritime wealth unparalleled in its area. This is why the first Carthaginian empire was named ‘‘ Empire of the Sea ’’ because of the close relationship between this context and its sea.

However, today, this connection is further deteriorating to lead today to a lack of valuation and prectection against coastal erosion and prevailing wind.

archaeological areas urbanized areas green areas classified areas urban parks

1. Bir Ftouha Basilica

2. Majorum Basilica

3. Saint Cyprian Basilica

4. Basilica of Damous el Karita

5. Damous el Karita Rotunda

6. zaghouan aqueduct

7. cisterns of la malga

8. column monument

9. circular monument

10. theâtre

11. odeon

12. Roman villas

13. Borj-Jedid tanks

14. Punic necropolis

15. Antonin Baths

16. Magon Ward

17. Didon Ward

18. Byrsa Penal District

19. amphitheatre

20. circus

21. Dermech Basilica

22. military port

23. wearing the Admiralty

24. commercial port

25. Salammbo Tophet