The story of Carthage control of Gozo, Malta is part of a larger tale about Phoenician expansion across the Mediterranean. Although Carthage began as a Phoenician colony, it eventually became the dominant power in the western Mediterranean. As Western Phoenicians, the Carthaginians inherited language, religion, and maritime traditions from cities like Tyre—but forged their own identity and empire. By the 6th century BC, Malta and Gozo had come under Carthaginian influence, marking a new chapter in island history.
From Phoenician Settlers to Carthaginian Rule
The first Phoenicians likely arrived in Malta and Gozo around 800 BC, drawn by safe harbors and a central location. They established trading posts and brought new ideas, objects, and customs. When Carthage began asserting control over former Phoenician colonies, Malta and Gozo fell within its growing sphere. Rather than break with Phoenician tradition, Carthage extended and adapted it—making the islands part of a broader Punic cultural network.
The story of Carthage control of Gozo: Life on Gozo Under Carthage
Though Gozo was smaller and more rural than Malta, it played a role in the Carthaginian system. Agriculture, salt production, and maritime trade helped support local life and regional commerce. Archaeological finds—such as Punic pottery, inscriptions, and burial sites—reveal the cultural imprint of Carthage. Temples and sanctuaries may have continued older religious practices, now shaped by Punic interpretations of Phoenician gods like Melqart and Astarte.
The Roman Takeover and a Fading Legacy
Carthaginian control of Gozo, Malta ended during the Second Punic War. In 218 BC, Rome captured the islands, beginning a new era of imperial rule. Even so, Punic influences lingered for generations—visible in art, language, and sacred sites.
A Layer of History Beneath Gozo’s Soil
Today, Gozo’s Carthaginian past remains partly hidden, but not forgotten. It’s a layer of Mediterranean history shaped by Western Phoenicians who once ruled the seas—and left their mark on these quiet limestone shores.