| The Mediterranean coast of Africa, west of Egypt, was
colonized by the Greeks and Phoenicians. Though this area was more fertile in ancient
times it was mostly sparsely inhabited. There were two population
and trade centers, Cyrenaica to the east and Zeugitania to the west. In Cyrenaica the towns of
Kyrene and Barke struck remarkably fine coins celebrating the silphium plant,
valuable for its medicinal properties. In Zeugitania the great commercial center of
Carthage issued coins not only in Africa, but also in Sicily, Sardinia and Spain. Farther
west, Numidia and Mauretania also issued coins, mostly after the destruction of Carthage
by the Romans. |
