“Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam.”
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— Cato the Elder
This Latin phrase translates to, “Furthermore, I consider that Carthage must be destroyed.” For years, Roman senator Cato the Elder reportedly ended every speech with this grim declaration. It did not matter what the topic of the day was. Whether discussing grain prices or provincial administration, he concluded with this obsessive refrain. This statement was not mere political rhetoric. It was a call to action that ultimately led to the complete annihilation of a rival superpower. The phrase has since echoed through history as a symbol of total conviction and relentless determination.
But what drove this fierce Roman statesman to such an extreme position? To understand the power behind these words, we must first explore the brutal history between Rome and Carthage. They were two titans of the ancient Mediterranean, locked in a century-long struggle for dominance.
A Rivalry Forged in Fire: The Punic Wars
The conflict between Rome and Carthage spanned three devastating wars known as the Punic Wars. These were not minor border skirmishes. They were colossal struggles that shaped the course of Western civilization. The First Punic War was primarily a naval conflict over control of Sicily. Rome, initially a land-based power, built a massive fleet to challenge Carthaginian sea power. After more than two decades of fighting, Rome emerged victorious.
However, the peace was short-lived. The Second Punic War introduced one of history’s most brilliant military commanders: Hannibal Barca. He famously led his army, including war elephants, across the Alps into Italy. Hannibal inflicted a series of crushing defeats on the Romans. He brought the Roman Republic to the brink of collapse. Yet, Rome refused to surrender. The Romans eventually took the fight back to Africa, forcing Hannibal to return and defend his homeland. At the Battle of Zama, Roman general Scipio Africanus finally defeated Hannibal, ending the second war.
Carthage was stripped of its territories and military power. It was forced to pay a massive indemnity to Rome. For many Romans, this was enough. Their greatest rival had been humbled. But for some, like Cato the Elder, the continued existence of Carthage remained an intolerable threat.
The Unwavering Conviction of Cato the Elder
Marcus Porcius Cato, or Cato the Elder, was a respected Roman statesman. He was known for his military service and his staunch moral conservatism. Cato saw Carthage’s recovery after the Second Punic War with alarm. Though militarily weakened, Carthage’s commercial power was reviving. Its fertile lands and strategic location made it a wealthy city once again. Cato visited Carthage as part of a diplomatic mission and was shocked by its renewed prosperity. He became convinced that Carthage would inevitably rise to challenge Rome again.
Upon his return, Cato began his relentless campaign. Source He ended every address to the Senate with his famous line, “Carthago delenda est.” This constant repetition served as a powerful psychological tool. It ingrained the idea into the minds of his fellow senators. It transformed a policy debate into an urgent, non-negotiable necessity. Cato’s argument was simple: Roman security could never be guaranteed as long as Carthage existed. He framed it as a matter of survival, a zero-sum game where only one power could endure. His persistence eventually wore down the opposition.
The Final Act: The Third Punic War
Cato’s relentless advocacy found its moment. Carthage, provoked by a Roman ally, finally took defensive military action. This violated the strict terms of its treaty with Rome. It was the pretext the war hawks in the Senate needed. In 149 BCE, Rome declared war for the third and final time. This war was not about territory or influence; it was about annihilation.
The siege of Carthage lasted three years. The Carthaginians mounted a desperate and heroic defense. However, the outcome was never truly in doubt. Roman legions, led by Scipio Aemilianus, breached the walls in 146 BCE. What followed was a week of horrific slaughter and destruction. The Romans went from house to house, killing the inhabitants.
Surviving citizens were sold into slavery. The city itself was systematically dismantled and burned to the ground. Legend says the Romans then sowed the fields with salt to ensure nothing would ever grow there again. While the salting story is likely a later invention, the destruction was absolute. Carthage was wiped from the map.
The Legacy of “Carthage Must Be Destroyed”
Cato the Elder died before he could see his vision realized. Yet, his phrase outlived him, his republic, and his world. “Carthago delenda est” has become a powerful metaphor. It represents the unwavering pursuit of a single, all-consuming goal. It can signify total commitment to an idea, whether for good or ill. For example, politicians have sometimes used it to describe an intractable problem that must be eliminated completely.
Conversely, the phrase also serves as a cautionary tale. It highlights the dangers of fanaticism and total war. The destruction of Carthage was a brutal act that eliminated a vibrant culture and a major center of commerce. It shows how obsessive fear and hatred can lead to catastrophic consequences. The quote forces us to consider the line between determined policy and destructive zealotry. It reminds us that words, repeated with enough conviction, can have immense and sometimes terrifying power.
In summary, Cato’s famous declaration is more than just a historical footnote. It is a window into the Roman psyche and the brutal realities of ancient geopolitics. It encapsulates a story of fear, rivalry, and the relentless will to power. The phrase continues to resonate today, serving as a timeless symbol of absolute resolve.