CARTHAGENA, a famous seaport and naval arsenal of Spain, in the province of Murcia. N. Lat. 37. 36.; W. Long. 1. 1. It occupies the site of the ancient Carthago
Nora, the foundations of which were laid by Hasdrubal, the son-in-law and successor of Hamilcar Barca in Spain. It was the Carthaginian head quarters in Spain during the
Carthage Punic wars; and when taken at last by Scipio (B.C. 210), it received the name of Colonia Victrix Julia Nova Carthago, and continued to be a place of considerable importance under the Romans. For their cordage, they made copious use of the spartum or broom, which formerly supplied ropes for the navies of Spain, and still grows abundantly in the province. Its mines were wrought both by the Carthaginians and the Romans. To the Gotis its maritime advantages presented few attractions, and accordingly the town was allowed by them to fall into decay. It was a flourishing port before the revolt of the Spanish colonies in America, but since that time its trade has been almost entirely destroyed; and the arsenals, from which the finest ships in the Spanish navy used to be equipped, have long been utterly deserted. The town itself is walled, and stands on the declivity of a hill, the centre of which is occupied by the ruins of an old Moorish castle. The houses are built of a fine red marble, and are mostly in the old Moorish style. The streets and pavements are generally very dilapidated, and the friable nature of the stone adds much to their ruinous appearance. Carthage, being the see of a bishop, contains a cathedral, several churches and schools, hospitals, barracks, &c., but all of them partake of the general decay. The only feature that remains intact is the noble bay, land-locked on either side by high hills, and closed by the island La Islota, called also La Escombrera, from the mackerel (scombr) which are caught on the shore. The entrance is thus rendered very narrow, and is easily defended by forts planted on both heights and on the island. The trade of Carthage is confined to the produce of the mines and fisheries, and the exportation of barilla. The abundance of raw material for the manufacture of glass induced an English company recently to start a factory. The town is rendered unhealthy by the existence of swamps in the neighbourhood, which breed fever and pestilence. Pop. 28,000.