The emergence of Carthage as an independent…

The emergence of Carthage as an independent power and the subsequent creation of an empire based on the secure possession of the North African coast has resulted less from the weakening of Tyre, the chief city of Phoenicia, by the Medes and the Babylonians, than from growing pressure from the Greeks in the western Mediterranean.

As the Greek colonies in Sicily have increased in numbers and importance, the Phoenicians have gradually abandoned their settlements in the immediate neighborhood of the newcomers, and concentrated themselves in the three principal colonies of Solus, Panormus (modern Palermo), and Motya.

The last of these, from its proximity to Carthage and its opportune situation for communication with Africa, as well as the natural strength of its position, has become one of the chief strongholds of the Carthaginians, as well as one of the most important of their commercial cities in the island.

In both these respects, Motya appears to have held the same position which will be attained at a later period by Lilybaeum.

Carthage leads Phoenician settlements on Sicily in resisting Greek aggression and seeks to consolidate control of Sardinia.

The Carthaginians fear that if the Greeks win the whole of Sicily, they will move on to Sardinia and beyond, isolating the Phoenicians in North Africa.

In 580 BCE, some Greek cities in Sicily attempt to drive the Phoenicians from the west of the island.

The Phoenician cities of Motya,...