City of Carthage

[Krasnapolka]

Notable Locations and the City Carthage

Carthage is one of the largest cities in the known world , with well over half a million inhabitants. Besides Phoenicians, Carthage also has communities of Jews, Greeks, Romans, and Libyans.

The Byrsa
Is a walled citadel resting on a hill located north of the Cothon. This is the most important centre of the city, where the Cainite High Judges gather the assembly in the Byrsa Senate Chamber in order to discuss Carthage and its future. The Agora is the centre for mortal politicians, the Byrsa is one for the Cainites. When things of great import or emergency need to be discussed, the mortal leaders are welcomed into the Byrsa assembly.

The Byrsa does not only house the Cainite Senate Chamber. Here is also the main treasury of the city and many luxury homes. The Temple of Eshmun is also within the Byrsa and sits on top of a stairway of sixty steps. A temple of Tanit is located on an eastern slope of the hill, the slope itself is called the called the Lesser Byrsa.

Temples are among the wealthiest and most powerful institutions in Carthage, and were deeply integrated into public and political life. Religious rituals served as a source of political unity and legitimacy and were typically performed in public or in relation to state functions. Many families would wish for their children to join the priesthood.
 

All this power and richness requires tight security compared to other parts of the city. Day and Night the elite guard here will check every visitor by the gates. Those that live in the Byrsa have special tokens, which allows them to pass with no problem. Those wishing to enjoy a religious service that day are welcomed through but need to walk a specific path and not stray from that. Those that have other business must state that business and would only be allowed through if there is an actual appointment or summons. The punishment for Trespassing here is between a heavy fine to few months in a cell, depending on where to you trespassed. These rules apply to both Cainites and mortals.

The Judge’s Agora
The main market square of the city, located between the Cothon and Byrsa hill. Not only is this place for business and commerce, but this agora is also an area of public squares and where the people might formally assemble, or gather for festivals. Just like with any agora, there are shires of all the gods of Carthage here for convenience. But just as important there are major municipal buildings located here. This is the heart of mortal civic life. The ruling mortals suffets presided over the own assemblies here, gathering elders and the tribunal of the 104. Either within the senate building or out in the open air. Trials involving mortals are held here. If Mortals have a complaint regarding a particular Cainite or a Cainite has done them wrong and they seek justice, they must come here and approach the Caretaker or the Speaker.

Tophet
The most special and oldest cemetery of Carthage. Once outside the city boundaries, it is now fully a part of the city. Located west of the Cothon, it houses the grand necropolis of the city as well as the Salammbô, the Sanctuary of Tanit— not a temple but an enclosure for placing stone stelae. These were mostly short and upright, carved for funeral purposes. This is not the only place of burial and tombs for the city, but it is the only one that houses the ashes of fallen Cainites.

The Three Town Walls
Surrounding Carthage are walls "of great strength" said in places to rise above 13 m, being nearly 10 m thick. To the west, three parallel walls were built. The walls altogether ran for about 33 kilometres (21 miles) to encircle the city.

These walls have 3 main gates, which gave them the name The Three Town Walls. The gates are called the Utica Gate, Theveste Gate, and the Thapsus Gate. The road from a particular gate leads directly to the city the gate is named after.

Utica

Utica is actually a privileged allied city rather than being completely under Punic control. The city is older compared to Carthage itself, but it does serve the Empire even if there is a strong commercial rivalry between the two cities. Unlike in the city Carthage, the Cainites of Utica are not as open to mortals and they keep their nature to themselves. The Old Brujah rule this city.

The Barracks and Training Grounds
Located at the most northern point of the city are the primary military barracks and training grounds of Carthage. Some of the Barracks are filled with Mercenaries; (permanently) hired by the Empire. They used to have much more empty space for themselves, but the increasing housing development of the northern residential district has caused the two to become closer neighbours, for good or worse. Brothels have appeared at the border of the two.

General’s Nest and the Watch Towers
Along the Three Town Walls and the seaside wall are watchtowers, outside of Carthage are also watchtowers totted over the landscape. What these towers have in common is that they have a pyre ready to be lit during an emergency or when an enemy force is spotted in the distance.

There is one distinct and grander tower that is overlooking the sea. This is called the General’s Nest and is the home of the General of Carthage. Not only a private residence but also the main communication point between the army, the navy, and the politicians of the city. This is considered the military headquarters of Carthage.
 

The Cothon
Located southeast, the two inner and main harbours of Carthage; the rectangular harbour was for the merchants, which is followed by an inner protected harbour reserved for military use only. This inner harbour is circular and surrounded by an outer ring of structures divided into a series of docking bays for ship maintenance, along with an island structure at its centre that also housed navy ships. Each individual docking bay featured a raised slipway. Above the raised docking bays was a second level consisting of warehouses where oars and rigging were kept along with supplies such as wood and canvas.

On the island structure there existed a raised 'cabin' where the admiral in command could observe the whole harbour along with the surrounding sea. Altogether the inner docking complex could house up to 220 ships. The entire harbour was protected by an outer wall and the main entrance could be closed off with iron chains.

Besides the main Cothon there exist a few smaller harbours and docks in Carthage as well as larger anchorages to the north and south of the city. Mainly used for the local fishing industry, small-time trade, and visitors to the city to either rest or do business in Carthage.

The Fishing industry is going strong in Carthage, helped greatly by its maritime focus. Salted Atlantic fish and fish sauce (Garum) are big exports.

The Lighthouse of Yam
Built close to the Cothon. This is the largest Lighthouse of Carthage and a temple to Yam. Those that need to raise their sails and travel through the sea best come down into the subterranean chamber of the lighthouse to pay their respect to ‘Judge Nahar’ lest he turns into a great sea serpent to destroy your ship and drag you into the abyss.

The Industrial Area and Carthage’s production
Carthage is a booming city with not only good trade but also its own healthy lines of production. There are artisan workshops located north and west of the Cothon. There are three large metal workshops in the city, one near the Cothon, two near the Byrsa. Active pottery kilns cab be found between the Cothon and the Agora further north. Fuller’s shops further west and south at the edge of the city are preparing woolen cloth. And so on…
Decorated Sarcophagi are renowned works of art coming from Carthage. They have mastered Bronze engraving and stone-carving.

Carthage diversified and advanced manufacturing sector produced finely embroidered silks, dyed textiles of cotton, linen, and wool, artistic and functional pottery, faience, incense, and perfumes.

Its artisans worked expertly with ivory, glassware, and wood, as well as with alabaster, bronze, brass, lead, gold, silver, and precious stones to create a wide array of goods, including mirrors, furniture and cabinetry, beds, bedding, and pillows, jewellery, arms, implements, and household items.
 

Chora
Outside the city walls of Carthage are the Chora or the ‘farmlands’. This is a limited area of the north coastal area, the lower Bagradas river valley (inland from Utica), Cape Bon, and the adjacent sahel on the east coast. Farms, Orchards, and Pastures dot the Chora. The Carthaginians primarily produce olives, pomegranates, grapes, almonds, figs and dates. There are beekeepers, herds of cattle, sheep, and poultry.

Even if the Carthaginians do not rely as much on agriculture, there is a push on developing and innovating within the field to increase production. The gods related to this field are certainly not ignored and are popular deities of the city.However, Carthaginians have mastered viniculture and the art of wine-making. The sherry that is produced is very much sought after outside of the Empire.

The vineyard and winery owned by lady Sophonisba of the Magonid are currently lauded as being the best in Carthage; creating product of the highest quality. Which in turn has increased the lady’s fortunes and allowed her to expand her operations greatly. Because of her fame and skill, she has begun developing a special wine that Cainites can consume. Right now only the most influential of Cainites had the privilege to sample this.

Edited March 19 by Krasnapolka (see edit history)

[Krasnapolka]

Sanchuniathon’s School
Named after Sanchoniatho the Berytian, a Phoenician author who claimed to have written the truest of histories and was able to gain sacred lore from the gods. Known for meticulously writing down events and analysing them from different academic disciplines and philosophical viewpoints While some doubt his more mystic writings, mostly mortal, he has influenced many generations of philosophers, scholars, and chroniclers.

Here the greatest minds of Carthage are created, or so the curriculum promises. Cainites can find education and teachers here as well. They may learn how to write and read to finding new Roads that appeal more to their existence. There is no shame here, only learning and knowledge.

The Great Library of Byrsa
The greatest Library of Carthage located in the Byrsa and only accessible by appointment or if one is a student at Sanchuniathon’s School. This library holds originals and replicas of many Phoenician works of literature, poetry, philosophy, historical account, secret manuscripts whatever ever it may be— this library preserves that knowledge. And it is not only Phoenician work but also works from Greeks, Persians, Etruscans, Egyptians, Libyans, Hebrews, and gods know what else that is on the shelve of this library.

Some of it ‘common’, others very rare to a point that even the Greeks may not have an original copy of that piece of writing anymore that they once called their own.

Dockside Archives
While the name may not be grand, this is a very important place for the city. It lists the name of every ship, captain, and crewmember in the service of Carthage. It keeps track of ships built, destroyed, repaired, or in production. It also keeps records of every ship going out and coming into Carthage, including the cargo. Notes are made about the state of the ship, crew, and cargo by the captain and for Carthaginians captain, a report is created of their journey. Of course, a place like this also reports on the weather conditions of the day and night.

The Circus of Marqod
Named in honour of the god of dance and healing. The largest place for public games and entertainment in Carthage. It can accommodate over 100.000 spectators. Not only is this a place for entertainment but also a place to hold religious ceremonies and public feasts. One can expect Horse and chariot racing, athletics, plays and recitals, beast-hunts, and gladiator contests to ben organised here. If no games or official event is held this place serves as ad an open space for shops and booths set up by travelers and low-class performing artists.

The circus is not the only open-air venue of Carthage and the city boasts many amphitheaters that are used for performances and sports, though these are much smaller and the greatest of athletes and artists would find more prestige performing in the Circus.

The Green House
A Sick House somewhat at the southern edge of the city, near an Olive Orchard. The area is very quiet and peaceful compared to the rest of the city. This place is personally owned and led by the Cainite Baalhanno who does his research here about mortal and immortal illnesses. Often also curing said sicknesses. Mortals that have been abused by Cainites come here so they can be healed and taught not top blame all Cainites. Only if their fear is removed can they go free.

The Temple of Offering
Actually not a temple but still a very important place for Carthage, or rather, the Cainites of Carthage. Here mortals may come to donate their blood to be stored for a limited amount of time, offer their necks as temple blood dolls or announce that they wish to become part of vampire’s herd thus offering their long-term service. Cainites will find at this temple a willing supply of vitae. Indeed, some humans may prostitute themselves here for Cainites. ‘Professional Blood dolls’ receive compensation and frequent health check-ups. Children are forbidden to enter this place or to be fed from.

The law dictates that Cainites must either form a willing herd of mortals to drink from, all the herd members must notify the proper authority that they belong to a particular Cainite, or the Cainite must come here to get their blood. For the sake of trust and safety hunting in the streets is forbidden. If a mortal does not consent to give blood than those wishes must be respected. Forcing them is looked down upon. Overfeeding from a mortal to the point of their death is considered a heavy crime. A Cainite cannot be hungry in Carthage so such a situation should not exist.

However, these laws only apply to mortal civilians of Carthage. Slaves do not have the same rights, though some humans and Cainites would not approve of the slave abuse.
 

Residential Areas
Residential distract warp around the Byrsa from south to northeast. Most homes are whitewashed and blank to the streets but they can hold courtyards open to the sky. Multi-story construction has become increasingly common in recent years, as such some homes are over 6 stories high. The streets are often used as a storefront/shopfront; cisterns were in the basement to collect water for domestic use. A long corridor on the right of each residence led to a courtyard containing a sump. In some places, the ground and streets are covered with mosaics called Punica pavement, sometimes using a characteristic red mortar. Stone stairs were set in the streets and drainage was installed in the form of soakaways that leached into the sandy soil.

Carthage has 5 residential districts:

Northern District: The newest district and still very much growing. The people here are from all walks of life, from prostitute to a high-ranked merchant. It is still too early to attach a common characteristic to the people of this district. Well, many are newcomers either from another Carthaginian city or from outside the Empire trying to improve their fortunes. Many Romans and Greeks live here. The latter has been dealing with increased xenophobia since the Sicilian War.

This district is farthest from the busy harbours and industrial areas making quite a peaceful and quiet place.

Seaside District: The east district, north of the Byrsa. Home of sailors, fishers, shipwrights, minor merchant families. Truly the streets of this district are the busiest, and the sound coming for Seaside is truly loud during the day, sometimes even night when many traders enter port. The people here smell of sweat and the sea, and all share respect and hidden fear for the god Yam. A quaint characteristic of this district is the increased levels of crime. Carthaginians blame outsider visitors causing trouble, but perhaps some Punic sailors should stop playing dice games and resorting to violence when losing said game.

South District: South of the Byrsa and is often nicknamed the Old Town. Here you will find the homes of Artisans, Artists, entertainers, and scholars. This place is not so bad, this district cannot decide if it wants to be the loudest or the quietest. Artisans are hard at work but the scholars and the Tophet desire peace and quiet. The people of this district tend to share one particular characteristic and that is that they think they know better, either because of their education or their skill in a craft or art.

High Byrsa: The most Luxurious homes in the city, only outdone by personal villas of those with money and status that did not wish to live at the Byrsa. Usually the High Byrsa is home to the highest members of society with powerful positions or families. The expectations for children from this district are very high and (open) failure or debauchery is not tolerated. High Byrsites strive to be the ideal of a Carthaginian citizen. Though that is not always the case.

Lower Byrsa: The district built on the slope of the Byrsa. Some of the Houses here are not within the safety of all the citadel walls. Actually, many houses here could be considered part of the South district though the inhabitants would not wish to admit that. Those living in this district have luxury homes and decorated to display their status and wealth. Because they don’t live within the walled citadel itself they hire their own security so the ‘rabble’ of the south district or another close by won’t bother them. Many city-dwellers consider those coming from Lower Byrsa more insufferable than those coming from High Byrsa who are more subdued in their arrogance and don’t act like they have something to prove.