The Carthaginians was one of four cultures in the unprinted Set 8 of Anachronism. Despite not being published, these cards are legal for competitive play (see 'Status of Set 8' for more details).
Brief History
Like many civilizations, the origins of Carthage are shrouded in legend. This city's creation myth involves the legendary Queen Dido. As the story goes, Dido was a princess in the Phoenician city of Tyre. Sometime in the 9th century BCE, her husband was assassinated by a royal rival, and Dido feared for her life. She fled along the southern shore of the Mediterranean, where she would found a "new city" -- qart ḥadašt, or Carthage.
In short time, the city grew in population and prestige. It became a city for those who wanted to start anew. Carthage was a Phoenician city, like Tyre; with its rapid growth, this new city became its own entity. It became a city at the crossroads of Mediterranean trade, making Cartahge both important and wealthy.
During the 6th and 5th centuries, BCE, Carthage grew into one of the superpowers of the region. With explorers like Hanno the Navigator, and engineering projects like the famous Harbor of Carthage, the city was on the cutting edge of commerce and colonization.
Unfortunately for Carthage, it wasn't the only power in the Mediterranean. In the 5th and 4th centuries, BCE, Carthage had to fight Greek- and Persian-backed armies on Sicily. Despite successes, the city came out of the Sicilian Wars a little worse for wear.
But the real growing power in the region was Carthage's neighbor to the north, Rome. As Carthage attempted to regain prominence on Sicily, Rome had to decide: did they really want their chief rival (and its navy) on their doorstep? The answer came back, "not really." Thus began the first of three Punic Wars (punic being the Latin word for Phoenician). By the end of the Third Punic War, the city of Carthage fell; it ceased to be an autonomous entity, instead being remade into a typical Roman colony.
Carthaginians in Anachronism
The cards that follow were never printed. The final versions from the design team have been spoiled to players on the Anachronism forums. There's no telling whether or not these cards will be printed, and if they were, that they'd have the same text as the spoiled versions.
As is, one will notice missing elements, since the cards haven't been finished. There's no artist, flavor text, or collector's number; card names and ability titles are English, rather than Punic.
Hamilcar Barca warrior pack
Hannibal Barca warrior pack
Hasdrubal warrior pack
Himilco warrior pack
Xanthippus warrior pack
Status of Set 8
Currently, Anachronism and TriKing have entered a bit of a rough patch, financially. It has been the better part of a year since Set 7's release, and there is no timetable for Set 8. Michael Brown of TriKing has mentioned that plans are in place to relaunch Anachronism, with a stronger business model. What this "Anachronism 2.0" might signify for existing sets is unknown. The common perception is that Set 8 will not see the light of day -- at the very least, not in its current form.
Despite its status, Set 8 is being released pack-by-pack on the Anachronism forums. The game's lead developer, Steve McLaughlin (a.k.a. "Shteevie"), is the one releasing the card texts and sanctioning them for tournament use. In addition to the packs, he has so far spoiled a few promos from the unprinted Set 8. Starting in October 2007, these promos are meant to be printed out by Mercenaries/TOs, signed & numbered, and given out like normal tournament promos.
Trivia
- In one myth, Dido sets herself on fire rather than marrying a local king. In the Roman version, she sets herself on fire to curse Aeneas, because of his kiss-and-flee actions.
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