A PLACE, A PLACE NAME, A CULTURAL HERITAGE: THE LEGENDARY HISTORY OF THE FOUNDING OF CARTHAGE-BYRSA

Abstract

The strategic location of Tunisia and its rich farmlands attracted many waves of settlers whose presence has contributed to an ethnic and cultural mix of peoples. Berbers, Numidians, Phoenicians / Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Arabs, Spaniards, Sicilians, Maltese, Turkish and French were all involved in this small territory. This has led to geographical names in Tunisia to be a mixture of different languages and undergo several linguistic changes. Those toponyms in addition to the historical depth of Tunisia they recall, they witness the age and memory of the country and constitute a cultural heritage passed on from one generation to another through the ages. The toponym Carthage / Byrsa is an example. Its origin is the subject of several interpretations, the most common is that related to the legendary history of the founding of the city Carthage-Byrsa by the Phoenician princess Elyssa.