The Founding of Carthage
Characters:
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Narrator
Dido, Phoenician princess
King of Tyre, Dido’s brother
Dido’s rich husband
Friend
Soldier / Owner of land in north Africa
Narrator:
The ancient land of Phoenicia was situated along the eastern shores of the
Mediterranean. Unlike Canaan, the land of milk and honey, Phoenicia had poor soil for
farming and raising animals. Luckily, the Phoenician people were clever. Noticing their
abundant cedar trees, they decided to become master builders. Using the cedar, they
built the best ships the ancient world ever knew. They sailed throughout the
Mediterranean, trading wood, glass, and fabric, making the Phoenicians rich and
powerful.
[Princess Dido and her husband stand together]
Princess Dido: I am so glad we got married. We will be so happy together.
Rich husband: I agree. And look at all our gold and jewels! We will never worry about a thing. As long as
we have money, we will always be happy!
[King Tyre stands to the side talking to himself]
King Tyre:
I’m the king. The King of Tyre! How could my sister and her husband have more riches
than me? It’s not fair! That money must be mine! MINE!
You there!
[King Tyre calls over a soldier]
Come at once! You must arrest that man!
[King Tyre points to the rich husband]
He must be put to jail! (King Tyre sneers to himself and says quietly) So that I may have
his money and be the richest man in Phoenicia.
[King Tyre walks away. Soldier arrests and takes away the rich husband]
Princess Dido: My husband! Why, oh why! I thought riches would bring me happiness forever! But now
I’m alone and I may be arrested next!
Friend:
You must leave. Save yourself!
Princess Dido: You’re right. We have so many ships. Let’s sail away!
[Princess Dido and friend sail away to north Africa]
Friend:
Princess! I see land!
Princess Dido: Let’s go ashore here, and build a new city!
Friend:
Let’s do it!
Narrator:
Princess Dido and her friend sailed across the Mediterranean Sea to a point in northern
Africa, in modern day Tunisia. The ladies look around and decided the location was
perfect for harboring ships and trading with merchants.
[Friend looks around]
Friend:
This place looks great, but there’s a problem.
Princess Dido: What is it?
Friend:
I think this land is owned by someone else. We should go someplace else.
Princess Dido: No way! I’m determined to build here so that we can be near the water and trade.
[Owner of the land walks by]
Princess Dido: Are you owner of this land?
Owner:
Why, yes I am. It’s lovely, isn’t it?
Princess Dido: I would like to buy this land.
Owner:
It’s not for sale.
Narrator:
The princess pulls out a piece of bull hide. It’s only just big enough for the princess to
stand on.
Princess Dido: Will you sell me as much land as I can cover with this bull skin?
Owner:
Of course!
Narrator:
The princess then proceeds to cut the bull skin into small strips. She lays them out, end
to end, around a huge portion of land.
Princess Dido: There! Now keep your promise and sell me this ground.
Owner:
Bummer man.
Friend:
Good thinking princess.
Narrator:
The owner of the land was force to agree. So, Dido and her friend built a tower called
Bull’s Hide and settled a new city called Carthage. Soon, ships from all over the world
came to Carthage to buy and sell their goods. The ancient city of Carthage became one
of the most wealthy in the ancient world. It was also the location of the Punic Wars. It
can be found in modern Tunisia.