Hispania Carthaginensis facts for kids
Hispania Carthaginensis was a Roman province in ancient Spain. It was created in the year 298 CE by the Roman emperor Diocletian. Before this, it was part of a much larger province called Hispania Tarraconensis. Diocletian decided to split Hispania into smaller, easier-to-manage parts.
The main city, or capital, of this new province was Carthago Nova. Today, this city is known as Cartagena. The province covered the southern part of Spain's Mediterranean coast, but it didn't include the area of Hispania Baetica. It also stretched inland into the country.
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What Was a Roman Province?
A Roman province was like a large region or territory controlled by the Roman Empire. The Romans conquered many lands and organized them into provinces. Each province had a Roman governor who was in charge. This helped Rome manage its vast empire and collect taxes.
Why Did Diocletian Divide Hispania?
By the late 200s CE, the Roman Empire was huge and difficult to govern. Emperor Diocletian made many changes to try and make it stronger. One of his big ideas was to divide large provinces into smaller ones. This made it easier for the Roman government to control different areas. It also helped with defense and collecting taxes more efficiently.
Geography of Carthaginensis
Hispania Carthaginensis was located in what is now modern-day Spain. It had a long coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. This made it important for trade and travel. The province also included some inland areas, which likely had farms and mines. Its capital, Carthago Nova, was a key port city.
Important Cities in the Province
Carthago Nova was the most important city in Hispania Carthaginensis. It was a very old city, founded by the Carthaginians before the Romans took over. Under Roman rule, it became a thriving center. Other towns and settlements would have been scattered throughout the province, supporting the local economy.
Life in Roman Carthaginensis
Life in a Roman province like Carthaginensis would have been a mix of Roman and local traditions. The Romans brought their laws, language (Latin), and way of life. They built roads, bridges, and aqueducts. These structures helped connect cities and supply water. People in the province would have been farmers, traders, miners, or artisans.
Economy and Resources
The economy of Hispania Carthaginensis was likely based on several things. Agriculture was very important, with crops like grain, olives, and grapes. Mining was also a big part of the economy in Roman Spain. The region was known for its mineral resources, including silver and lead. The coastal location also meant that fishing and sea trade were important.
The End of Roman Rule
Hispania Carthaginensis, like other Roman provinces, eventually faced challenges. As the Roman Empire declined, it became harder to defend these distant lands. In the 400s CE, various Germanic tribes invaded Hispania. This led to the end of Roman control in the region. The province eventually became part of new kingdoms formed by these tribes.
See also
In Spanish: Cartaginense para niños
