Ancient City Carthago Nova-Theatre

The founding of Carthago Nova occurred around 230 BC by the Carthaginian Hasdrubal on the foundations of an Iberian settlement. Under the name Qart-ḥadašht, it developed within just two decades into the most important Carthaginian metropolis on the Iberian Peninsula. In 210/209 BC, the city was conquered by Scipio Africanus during the Second Punic War. From the late 2nd century BC, a Roman resettlement took place, with the city receiving the name Carthago Nova and quickly regaining importance due to the surrounding silver mines. It was later conquered by Sextus Pompeius and elevated to a colony by Caesar, before Augustus renamed it Colonia Victrix Iulia Nova Carthago. Under Diocletian, Carthago Nova became the capital of the province of Hispania Carthaginiensis. After its destruction by the Vandals in 425 and a Visigothic phase, it was reconquered in 551 by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and declared the capital of the province of Spain, before falling under Visigothic rule again in 625.

The ancient city of Carthago Nova is located in modern-day Cartagena, in the Murcia region, Spain, at an elevation of approximately 14 meters above sea level.

Today, visitors can explore the impressive remains of the ancient city of Carthago Nova, including the foundations of the theater and amphitheater, as well as parts of the city walls and workshops, which offer insights into Roman and Punic urban life.

• Castillo de la Concepción (fortress), approx. 0.2 km away
• Castillo de Despeñaperros (fortress), approx. 0.6 km away
• Castillo de los Moros (fortress), approx. 1.0 km away
• Castillo de Galeras (fortress), approx. 1.4 km away