Carthaginian Policy in the West-Central Mediterranean between the Late 7th and 6th Century BCE

Abstract

This contribution seeks to analyze Carthage’s political strategies in the central-western Mediterranean during the late 7th century and 6th century BCE. This period marked a crucial phase in the city’s political and economic evolution, as it sought to assert control over key trade routes, forge alliances, and counter competing powers such as the Greeks and the Etruscans. Carthaginian policy was characterized by a blend of diplomatic engagement, military intervention, and economic integration, underpinned by the city’s thriving trade networks and its ability to project power across the region. Through a combination of archaeological findings and historical analysis, this discussion examines the mechanisms and impacts of Carthage’s policies during this transformative era, focusing on its interactions with indigenous communities, its expansionist ambitions, and the resulting geopolitical dynamics that reshaped the Mediterranean landscape.