The Carthaginians’ Secret: Mysterious Desert Land Or America Found By Mistake?

Ellen Lloyd - AncientPages.com - Did the Phoenicians discover America by mistake?

The Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle (384 – 322 B.C.) wrote a very intriguing account about how the Carthaginians came across a mysterious desert land. Some researchers suspect it’s a description that may refer to America.

Carthage was a Phoenician city located approximately 18 km northeast of Tunis on the coast of North Africa. According to historical records, Carthage was not the Phoenicians’ first colony but already in its early days, became the largest and most famous city. It was an important political and commercial center. The third and final Punic War (149 – 146 BC) led to Rome’s complete destruction of Carthage. That devastating defeat ended Carthage’s brilliant time of glory.

The Phoenicians are famed for being master seamen who traded with the peoples around the Mediterranean, but did they also reach America?

Historians are deeply divided on this subject.

This is a preview of our premium article available only to members of Ancient Pages.

Become a member to read more.

If you are already a member and have logged in to your account, you can access the article here