The Carthaginian empire, founded by the Phoenicians but now only nominally under Tyrean control, continues to expand throughout the western Mediterranean, colonizing western Sicily and parts of North Africa, Sardinia, the Balearics and Spain.

Judahites compose a significant proportion of the Canaanite settlement at Carthage (Kart Hadash, or “New City”).

Carthage concludes treaties with several powers, but the one with Rome is the most famous.

In 509 BCE, a treaty is signed between Carthage and the fledgling Roman Republic indicating a division of influence and commercial activities.

This is the first known source indicating that Carthage has gained control over Sicily and Sardinia, as well as Emporia and the area south of Cape Bon in Africa.

Carthage may have signed the treaty with Rome, at this time an insignificant backwater, because Romans have treaties with the Phocaeans and with Cumae, who are aiding the Roman struggle against the Etruscans at this time.

Carthage has similar treaties with Etruscan, Punic and Greek cities in Sicily.