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Antoine Thermal Baths
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| [Normas para las notas] Notas del fotógrafo |
Antoine Thermal Baths – Carthage
The Antoine Thermal Baths in Carthage built between A.D. 146 and 162 in the reign of Emperor Antonius Pius were the third largest in the entire Roman Empire. The baths occupied an area of 1.8 hectares (4.5 acres). Eight colossal columns of gray granite with Corinthian capitals of white marble supported the central chamber which was approximately 50 meters (165feet) long by 20meters (65feet) wide. The baths proper were on the upper floors with a grand staircase leading down to the sea. Very little of the upper structures remain; however the lower halls and basement are extensive. For centuries these ruins were used as a quarry of building stones.
Carthage, a suburb of Tunis, is located in Tunisia on the northern coast of Africa overlooking the Southern Mediterranean Sea.
In very early Tunisian history (3,000 B.C.), the Sahara desert separated the Berber tribes from the ancestral Egyptians. Distinct cultural differences emerged between the two groups. While Egyptian communities developed in the fertile Nile Valley, Berbers were forced to live nomadic lives following food and water sources. The powerful Pharaohs of Egypt could have entered the region along the coast, but they focused on the upper Nile Valley and never attempted to extend their influence east or west. The remainder of the North African Coast developed its own civilizations as Phoenician and Greek settlers set up trading colonies.
During this era, the Carthage based Punic Empire grew powerful for a time, but after Hannibal was expelled, the civilization declined. Roman Soldiers destroyed Carthage in 146 B.C., but the Roman rule was undermined in turn after the emperors tried to suppress Christianity. Despite their efforts, Christianity spread across the empire including Northern Africa. By the 7th century, Christianity was replaced by Islam in the region. In the 16th century, the Ottomans invaded. They brought stability, prosperity, and unified the region. The Tunisian economy was also influenced by piracy. Bandit bases lined the Tunisian coast. Not until 1815, was this halted by an invasion of the U. S. Navy. In 1985, the mayors of Rome and Carthage signed a treaty officially ending the Punic Wars. |
Atousa, belido, mafegan, gracious ha puntuado esta nota como útil.
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Hello Betty,
I like your rich notes almost as much as some of the images you post. It is an education — well researched, well written! Here the sandstone is sun parched and so very bright, but the light control is excellent, leaving the colors realistic, and the sky a realistic blue. With poor light exposure, in accommodating the color of the walls, the sky could have been an unrealistically dark blue. Thank you for providing a cultural experience.
Warm regards,
Bulent
- Atousa
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 513 W: 16 N: 651]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(2064) - [2008-10-08 20:59]
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Salam Betty,
I like using the arches in a frame n vertical framing are also nice for such choices..very informative note too..thank you.
Greetings, A
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- belido
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3440 W: 103 N: 2811]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(10043) - [2008-10-09 4:38]
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Hi Betty,
146 ad? This is old! I agree with Bulent. It's always a pleasure to read your notes after checking your images. They work perfectly together. I like your choice for the vertical framing as well as the color contrast sky/roman stones. Great job!
Regards,
Carlos
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- gunbud
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 4730 W: 4 N: 4371]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(19662) - [2008-10-10 8:11]
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Hi Betty,
Fine capture of this ancient site where the community met daily.
The vivid blue sky brings out all the ancient scares to this wonderful spot.
Wonderful historic note full of nuggets of golden history.
Regards, Tom
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- jmdias
(9608)
- [2008-10-11 4:46]
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betty
a simple detail of this ruins that send our imagination back in the time. nice light and colors
hugs
jorge
Hello Betty
A simple two coloured photo but very striking and also inviting. I agree your notes are a real history lesson and I thank you for them. Cheers, Marlene
Hello Betty,
Many thanks for sharing beautiful image with a great informative and useful notes regarding this place!
very good lighting with sharpness, nice colour and details
very well done
cheers
Tony
