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Historical Genocide in Ancient Civilizations

May 15, 2025

Genocide in the Ancient World

Introduction

  • Genocide Perception: Commonly associated with modern times, notably WWII.
  • Historical Perspective: Ancient instances may also qualify as genocide.
  • Definition of Genocide: Difficult to define precisely; first coined by Raphael Lemkin in 1944 CE.
    • Combined 'geno-' (Greek: race/tribe) and '-cide' (Latin: killing).
    • Lemkin's work (Axis Rule in Occupied Europe): Intentional destruction of national groups.
    • UN Convention (1948): Genocide defined as intent to destroy a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.
  • Key Elements: Intent and destruction of a group.

Roman Genocide of Carthage

  • Location: Carthage, near modern Tunis, Africa.
  • Historical Context: Rome vs. Carthage (three Punic Wars, 264-146 BCE).
    • Rome's expansion vs. Carthage's trade network.
    • Cultural and governmental contrasts between Rome and Carthage.
  • Destruction of Carthage (146 BCE)
    • Roman demands: Hostages, disarmament, relocation inland.
    • Siege led by Scipio Africanus the Younger.
    • Final assault led to mass slaughter and slavery of survivors.
    • City burned and demolished.
    • Intent: Destroy Carthage's people and culture, supported by Roman sentiment (e.g., Cato the Elder's motto).

Athenian Genocide at Melos

  • Location: Island city-state of Melos.
  • Historical Context: During Peloponnesian War (Athens vs. Sparta), 416 BCE.
  • Event Details:
    • Melos neutral in conflict, targeted by Athens.
    • Melian Dialogue: Athens demanded surrender, Melos refused.
    • After siege, Athenian massacre: killing of men, enslavement of women and children.
    • Intent: Destruction of Melian society and culture as a warning to others.

Conclusion

  • Historical Genocide: Applying modern definitions to ancient events suggests Roman and Athenian actions could be considered genocide.
  • Importance of Intent: Both cases showed clear intent to destroy distinct groups and cultures.