Carteia, Hispania
time of Augustus (27 BCE – 14 CE);
Ae Semis 18.5mm, 4.2g
Obv: Head of Neptune right; IIII VIR ITER around
Rev: Dolphin right; CARTEIA above, C MINI Q F below
FAB 680
Carteia, founded by Phoenicians, was located at the head of the Bay of Gibraltar. It was captured by Rome in 190 BCE, and in 171 four thousand people of Spanish-Roman descent were allowed to settle there. The city quickly became a Roman stronghold.
Although much of the ancient city was destroyed by development, its ruins and center are still standing and may be visited.
940 BCE
Carteia founded
237 BCE
Forces of Carthage, including elephants and led by Hamilcar, land at Carteia
206 BCE
Carthage under Adherbal retreats to Carteia after a defeat by Gaius Laelius.
190 BCE
Carteia captured by Rome
171 BCE
Carteia is elevated to the status of colony by Rome
68 BCE
Carteia is the western base for Pompey’s campaign against pirates
409 CE
Carteia is sacked by Visigoths