Question

As Rome was growing in Italy, Carthage was growing in power in
A) South America
B) North Africa
C) North America
D) East Asia

Answer 1

Hint: In the 9th century BC. The city of Carthage was founded as one of a number of Phoenician settlements established in the western Mediterranean to facilitate trade from the city of Tyre on the coast of what is now Lebanon. Carthage grew into a major trading empire, the name of both the town and the larger republic that arose from it.

Complete answer:
Carthage was situated in the coast of Northwest Africa. Carthage was founded in the 814 century BC as a colony of Tyre and now it is Tunisia. Within centuries, Carthage developed into a significant trading empire and centre of the Carthaginian Empire. Carthage was founded by Phoenicians which means “New City”. It dominated the western Mediterranean until the 3rd century BC, a major commercial power. After gaining Independence, it expanded in terms of economic and political strength too. It was the richest city in antiquities. The basis of its prosperity and richness was because of its location and its access to major trade routes and fertile land.

As it was popular, prosperous and fertile, naturally people tried to conquer it and so it came into conflict with rivals. One of the major rivals, Sicilian Greeks, with whom a century long series of conflicts were held leading to Rome’s destruction nearly.

Carthage's identity remained Phoenician. Its society was heavily urbanised. It majorly oriented towards seafaring and trade which reflected in its innovations and technical achievements. Not a lot of Carthage’s history is known as its most indigenous records were lost during the third war of Punic.

Thus, the answer is option ‘B’ i.e, North Africa.

Note: Originally, Carthage was ruled by kings who were chosen by the Carthaginian senate and served for a particular period of time. In Carthage, the election took place, and the kings were initially war leaders, city officials, and performed some religious duties. Kings were chosen on merit, according to Aristotle, not by the people but by the senate, and the post was not hereditary.