Phoenician Amulets From Carthage

In the sun-soaked ruins of Carthage, a treasure trove of ancient Phoenician amulets reveals a world steeped in mysticism and artistry. Discovered in the 1990s during excavations at the site known as the Tophet, these exquisite artifacts date back to the 9th century BCE, when the city thrived as a maritime trade hub in North Africa. Made from materials like terracotta, bronze, and semi-precious stones, these amulets often depict protective deities and symbols intended to ward off evil spirits.

Among the most striking pieces is the intricate ivory amulet of the goddess Tanit, measuring just two inches tall. Tanit was the chief deity of Carthage, revered as a protector of the city and often associated with fertility and war. The amulets, many adorned with inscriptions in the ancient Phoenician script, offer a glimpse into the spiritual lives of the Carthaginians, who used these charms to seek favor from the divine in both daily life and times of turmoil.

The Tophet itself served as a significant burial ground, where thousands of urns containing the cremated remains of children and animals reveal the somber rituals of sacrifice that accompanied these beliefs. The amulets found here, believed to have been placed with the deceased, underscore the urgent hopes for protection and intercession in the afterlife.

As modern archaeologists continue to study these artifacts, the amulets of Carthage are reshaping our understanding of Phoenician culture, highlighting a civilization that wove together art, religion, and the everyday struggle for safety in a tempestuous world. Each piece tells a story, carrying echoes of a lost empire that once dominated the Mediterranean.