karthagisch

Karthagisch is an adjective in German describing things that pertain to Carthage, the ancient Phoenician city-state near present-day Tunis, its population, language, or culture. The term is used in historical, linguistic, and archaeological contexts to label material, concepts, or artifacts associated with Carthage.

Etymology and scope: The word derives from Karthago, the Latin name for Carthage, with the German suffix -isch turning it into an adjectival form. It can apply to objects such as coins, pottery, or architectural remains, as well as to cultural or religious features linked to Carthaginian civilization.

Historical background and language: Carthage rose as a major maritime power in the western Mediterranean and clashed with Rome in the Punic Wars. After the Third Punic War (146 BCE), the city was destroyed and later rebuilt as a Roman province known as Africa. The Punic language, part of the Phoenician branch, is often described in scholarly works as Punisch; karthagisch may be used to denote Carthaginian linguistic or cultural traits, including religious practices associated with deities such as Baal Hammon and Tanit.

Usage and nuance: The term is mainly found in academic writing and museum labeling. It can describe material culture (karthagische Münzen, Keramik), art, architecture, or religious practices linked to Carthage. It should be distinguished from modern national or ethnic identifiers, as karthagisch refers to ancient Carthaginian contexts rather than contemporary populations.