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.