Part 2/8:
The once-great city-state of Carthage boasted a powerful empire that dominated the Western Mediterranean region. However, much of what is known about Carthage is filtered through the lens of Roman historians and enemies, resulting in a limited understanding of its culture and cuisine. Roman authors often provide tantalizing glimpses into Carthaginian life; for instance, Columella speaks of "sweet pomegranates" dubbed Carthaginian apples, while Cato the Elder—one of the very few sources regarding Carthaginian recipes—casually mentions figs from Carthage in the Roman Senate as a testament to the efficacy of their naval power.