The history of the Carthaginians in Spain is a fascinating chapter in the ancient world, marked by ambition, conquest and cultural exchange. As a powerful maritime civilization, Carthage, once a Phoenician colony, expanded its influence across the Mediterranean, with Spain becoming one of its most prized territories. Known for their strategic prowess, economic ingenuity and military strength, the Carthaginians left an indelible mark on the Iberian Peninsula.
From the founding of key cities like Carthago Nova (modern-day Cartagena) to the legendary campaigns of Hannibal, their presence in Spain shaped the region’s history, sowing the seeds for future conflicts with Rome and contributing to a rich legacy of cultural fusion that still resonates today. This article delves into the Carthaginians’ rise in Spain, their impact on Iberian societies and the enduring echoes of their rule in Spanish history and archaeology.
Origins of the Carthaginians
To understand the Carthaginians and their history in Spain, it is essential to first examine the origins and rise of Carthage itself. Carthage was founded around 814 BC by Phoenician colonists from the city of Tyre in modern-day Lebanon. According to legend, the city was established by Queen Dido, who fled from Tyre after her brother murdered her husband. The name “Carthage” derives from the Phoenician “Qart-ḥadašt”, meaning “New City”.

Initially a small trading post, Carthage rapidly grew in power and influence. By the 6th century BC, it had emerged as the dominant city-state in the western Mediterranean, surpassing its Phoenician parent cities. The Carthaginians, also known as Punics, developed a vast maritime empire built on trade and naval power.
Carthaginian Expansion into Spain
The Carthaginian interest in Spain initially focused on maintaining and expanding the trade networks established by their Phoenician predecessors. The rich mineral resources of the Iberian Peninsula, particularly silver and copper, were highly prized by the Carthaginians. In the late 3rd century BC, Carthage began a more aggressive policy of territorial expansion in Spain. This shift was largely driven by the need to compensate for territories lost to Rome in Sicily and Sardinia following the First Punic War (264-241 BC).

The conquest of Spain was primarily the work of the Barcid family, a prominent Carthaginian dynasty. Hamilcar Barca, the father of the famous general Hannibal, began the systematic conquest of southern Spain in 237 BC. His son-in-law Hasdrubal the Fair continued this policy, founding the city of Qart Hadasht (New Carthage, modern-day Cartagena) as the capital of Carthaginian Spain in 228 BC.
Carthaginian Administration of Spain
Carthaginian rule in Spain was primarily focused on the southern and eastern coastal regions. They established a network of fortified settlements and formed alliances with local Iberian tribes to extend their influence inland. The Carthaginian military presence in Spain also served as a recruiting ground for their armies, with Iberian mercenaries playing a crucial role in Carthaginian forces.
The primary motivation for Carthaginian expansion into Spain was economic. They intensified mining operations, particularly in the Sierra Morena and Rio Tinto regions, extracting vast quantities of silver and other precious metals. This wealth fuelled Carthage’s economy and financed its military endeavours.
While mining was the primary focus, the Carthaginians also developed agriculture in their Spanish territories. They introduced new crops and farming techniques, further enhancing the economic value of the region.
Cultural Impact of Carthaginian Rule
The Carthaginians founded or expanded several important cities in Spain, including Cartagena, Carteia and Mahón. These urban centres became hubs of trade and cultural exchange, blending Punic, Greek and Iberian influences. Carthaginian religious practices, including the worship of deities like Baal Hammon and Tanit, spread throughout their Spanish territories.
This influence is evident in the archaeological record, with numerous examples of Punic-style temples and religious artefacts found across southern Spain. While the Carthaginian language, a form of Phoenician, did not survive as a spoken language in Spain, it left its mark on local toponyms and contributed loanwords to indigenous Iberian languages.

Carthaginian Spain and the Punic Wars
The Carthaginian presence in Spain played a crucial role in the broader conflict between Carthage and Rome known as the Punic Wars. The outbreak of the Second Punic War (218-201 BC) was directly linked to events in Spain. The Roman siege of the Carthaginian-allied city of Saguntum provided the casus belli for Hannibal’s famous campaign against Rome. Spain served as the base from which Hannibal launched his invasion of Italy, crossing the Alps with his army and elephants.
While Hannibal was campaigning in Italy, the Romans launched their own invasion of Spain. The Roman generals Publius and Gnaeus Scipio achieved initial successes but were ultimately defeated and killed. It was left to the young Publius Cornelius Scipio (later known as Scipio Africanus) to turn the tide in Spain. By 206 BCE, he had expelled the Carthaginians from the peninsula.
Legacy of the Carthaginians in Spain
The defeat of Carthage in the Second Punic War marked the end of their direct rule in Spain, but their influence persisted. Following the Carthaginian defeat, Spain came under Roman control. However, the Romans initially maintained much of the administrative and economic structure established by the Carthaginians, gradually imposing their own systems over time. Despite the end of Carthaginian political control, elements of Punic culture persisted in Spain well into the Roman period. This is particularly evident in cities like Gades (modern Cádiz), which maintained strong Punic cultural traditions for centuries under Roman rule.
Carthaginian Archaeological Sites in Southern Spain
Southern Spain is home to numerous archaeological sites that bear evidence of Carthaginian presence, offering valuable insights into their influence on the region. Cartagena, founded as Qart Hadasht in 228 BCE, stands as one of the most significant Carthaginian sites, featuring the Punic Wall, Molinete Archaeological Park, and the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Although originally Phoenician, Cádiz boasts important Carthaginian-era remains, including the Necropolis of Gadir and the Casa del Obispo Archaeological Site.
Historical Note: Many of these sites were originally Phoenician settlements that later came under Carthaginian control and influence. This transition reflects the broader historical shift in the western Mediterranean, where Carthage (itself a Phoenician colony) gradually assumed leadership over the Phoenician colonial network.
Other notable sites include Castillo de Doña Blanca near Cádiz, which preserves a Punic-period urban layout and evidence of industrial activities. Almuñécar in Granada province contains a Punic necropolis and remnants of a fish-salting industry. Carmona, near Seville, features Punic-era defensive walls and urban planning evidence. Villaricos in Almería province is known for its extensive Punic necropolis and signs of mining activities. Málaga has yielded Punic-era port facilities and Carthaginian-period artefacts. Although not on the mainland Ibiza Town was an important Carthaginian outpost, featuring the Puig des Molins necropolis and a museum housing a significant collection of Carthaginian artefacts.
These archaeological sites collectively provide tangible evidence of the Carthaginian presence in southern Spain, offering insights into their urban planning, defensive strategies, religious practices, and economic activities. Ongoing archaeological work at these and other locations continues to enhance our understanding of Carthaginian influence in the region.