Qart-Hadast/Carthage

Qart-Hadast, or otherwise known as Carthage, was a rich maritime state which existed from 814 BC - 146 BC, finally razed to the ground by Rome during the Third Punic War.

Carthage existed as a wealthy empire throughout the 4th and 3rd centuries BC controlling territories along the North African coast and extensive holdings in Spain as well. Being located in Tunisia, a prime position for trade, Carthage, although possessing a small population, recruited vast quantities of mercenaries and soldiers from allies and clients in Numidia and Spain.

Carthage derived a great amount of its wealth through its conquest of territories in Spain. The exploitation of the Spanish silver and gold mines actually led to widespread inflation in Syria and Phoenicia.