Recherches sur les éléments locaux dans La civilisation carthaginoise (Problèmes et méthodes)

Carthage evolved beyond its origins as a Phoenician outpost in the eastern part of North Africa to develop, within and alongside its African surroundings, the characteristics of a civilization with distinctive features. With a view toward a comprehensive study of this civilization, this article lays a foundational groundwork for examining the interplay between local and imported elements in Carthaginian civilization, based on literary texts and archaeological evidence. It also presents the most significant views formulated by researchers on this subject and outlines scientific methodologies for approaching this complex issue. This study tentatively proposes practical models by analyzing the origins of certain indigenous elements within the Carthaginian civilization in North Africa, such as language and writing, beliefs and deities, agricultural activities, military affairs, as well as the arts and crafts.