Founded by the Phoenicians in 814 BC, Carthage thrived as a maritime center and later became the third-largest city in the Roman Empire before being destroyed by the Arabs in AD 692. Although it is Tunisia's best-known archaeological site, it is not particularly easy to navigate. The ruins are scattered over quite a large area in what is now an upmarket commuter suburb of Tunis. Since a complete tour requires a whole day, it is probably more rewarding to make two shorter trips. The best view of the whole site is from Byrsa Hill which was the heart of the city in Punic times. Carthage's key attractions include the Antonine Baths which - outside of Rome - were once the largest baths in the Roman Empire. Visitors are not allowed to enter the Baths but can study them from a viewing platform. Heat was provided by an underground system of furnaces and - very much like a modern day spa - there were a series of hot rooms, a cold plunge pool and the Roman equivalent of a Jacuzzi.
The Punic Ports, now little more than ponds, once provided berths for more than 200 naval vessels. Similarly, little is left of the Theater of Hadrian which was built in the second century.
Tophet was used for child sacrifices. Urns have been unearthed containing the ashes of more than 20,000 boys aged between two and 12 sacrificed by the Carthaginians in the eighth century BC.