Mago the Carthaginian: the father of farming

 

Introduction :

When the Romans conquered Carthage, the shining Mediterranean city, in 146 BC, they plowed and salted the smoldering ruins of the city and land surrounding it, leaving a message saying that farming rather than trade and commerce, had been the city's maritime real source of strength. The Carthaginians were able to survive Roman ethnic cleansing. Carthaginian Punic rose through the Roman social and political ranks for 260 years, until a Punic/Carthaginian among them (and his family) became Emperor(s) of Rome beginning with Septimius Severus in 192 AD. He came from the Carthaginian colony of Laptis Magna (now Libya).

Their fields were destroyed and their land mixed with salt. The 28-volume work of agricultural treatise written by Mago the Carthaginian, known as "The Father of Farming" by Greeks and Romans alike, was one notable exception that escaped the flames. The Romans, who despised all things Carthaginian, regarded Mago highly enough to translate and maintain his 28 books in Latin. Mago's ideas had made the Carthaginians famous for their production of exquisite foods. Mago was able to change the Carthaginian reality from a naval power with unfair agreements to a Mediterranean agricultural region through his writings.

Mago the Carthaginian, widely acknowledged for his military and political prowess, has received relatively less attention for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of agriculture. This article aims to delve into the historical significance of Mago’s agricultural treatise, exploring its intricacies and far-reaching impact on ancient farming practices.

Mago, portrait - Public domain portrait engraving, 16th-17th century,  - PICRYL 

The Safe and the Rich land: 

The Phoenician princess Elyssa founded the city of Carthage in 814 BC, and it quickly rose to prominence as the eastern Mediterranean's commercial hub.

The Carthaginians established a commerce network that included Spain for copper and silver and Britain for tin and bronze. From regions where they were inexpensive to places where they were expensive, they moved art, wine, and furs. As their traders conducted business with African tribes and their sailors discovered new markets, they eventually became wealthy.

Through 465 B.C., when Hanno the Navigator traveled around Africa, Mago penned his book on agriculture « De Agricultura ». Mago thought that anyone who desired to farm should remain near their own plots of land.

focus on farming:

Even Romans who detested Carthage and the Carthaginians heeded Mago's counsel. They were leaders of the well-known Roman gentleman farmer cult.

Carthage was surrounded by two rings of agricultural plantings from the time of Mago until its destruction: the inner ring for olives, fruit trees, grapes, and vegetables (for knowledge, fig juice was the only other sweetener at the time), and the outer part, which was less dependent on irrigation, for a significant wheat field. Mago also wrote about beekeeping, which was important in the ancient world, as well as producing horses, mules, and other agricultural animals.

The ox was important to the Punic people, and not just for the legend of foundation: The first letter in the Phoenician alphabet, Aleph, means “ox,” and the capital letter A itself is an upside-down rough image of an ox head. Oxen provided draft animals for plows. The Carthaginians were the first people in history to use iron plows, manure for fields, and hides. Mago urged buyers to select only the best.

The importance of the ox to the Punic people extended beyond the story of its creation. The capital letter A itself is an upside-down, crude representation of an ox head. The first letter of the Phoenician alphabet, Aleph, means "ox." Plows were pulled by oxen as draft animals. The first people to employ iron plows, manure for fields, and hides were the Carthaginians. Mago advised users to just choose the best.

Hi also explained how to make flour from wheat and barley:

"Soak the wheat in plenty of water and then pound it with a pestle, dry it in the sun and put it back under the pestle. The procedure for barley is the same. For 20 parts of barley, you need two parts of water."

Carthaginian raisin wine, a particular beverage sent in vast quantities to Italy, was beloved even by the hostile Romans. Mago's recipe was taken by the Romans after they conquered Carthage and translated into Latin.

The Genesis of « De Agricultura » :

The genesis of « De Agricultura » unveils a chapter in the intellectual journey of Mago the Carthaginian, a polymath whose prowess extended beyond the realms of military strategy. Written in the context of Carthage devastated by the Roman conquest in 146 BC, Mago’s agricultural treatise emerges as a response to a changing world. 

Motivated by a desire to preserve and enhance Carthage’s agricultural heritage, Mago embarked on the ambitious task of compiling his extensive knowledge into a comprehensive guide. The agricultural challenges faced by Carthage following its destruction became the crucible in which Mago forged his treatise. The obliteration of fields and the salting of the land, a deliberate act by the Romans to erase the city’s identity, spurred Mago to encapsulate the essence of Carthaginian agricultural wisdom.

« De Agricultura » wasn’t merely a practical manual; it was a manifesto for the revival of Carthaginian agricultural resilience. Mago’s insights were a response to the devastation, offering not just a roadmap for sustainable farming but a testament to the endurance of Carthaginian identity beyond the ruins.

In this genesis, Mago’s motivations become clear — a commitment to ensuring that the agricultural legacy of Carthage, which had been the true source of its strength, would persist. The treatise became a beacon of hope, a document that transcended the immediate challenges of the time and projected a vision of agricultural sustainability.

The genesis of « De Agricultura » is a narrative of adaptation and resilience, where Mago, faced with the aftermath of the Roman conquest, transformed devastation into an opportunity to immortalize Carthage’s agricultural wisdom. In doing so, he laid the groundwork for a treatise that would not only withstand the test of time but also influence agricultural practices in the ancient world and beyond.

Mago’s advocacy for crop diversification and rotation reflects a profound understanding of agricultural sustainability rooted in ecological principles. Crop diversification involves cultivating a variety of crops rather than relying on a single type. This practice has several benefits, including reduced vulnerability to pests and diseases, improved soil structure, and enhanced biodiversity.

By recommending crop diversification, Mago demonstrated an awareness of the ecological advantages that arise from a diverse agricultural system. Different crops have varying nutrient requirements and growth patterns, and cultivating a mix of them helps maintain a balanced and fertile soil ecosystem. This approach contrasts with monoculture, where a single crop is repeatedly planted, often leading to nutrient depletion and increased susceptibility to pests.

Furthermore, Mago’s emphasis on crop rotation aligns with modern sustainable farming practices. Crop rotation involves changing the type of crops grown in a specific field over different seasons. This strategy helps break pest and disease cycles, reduces soil erosion, and prevents nutrient depletion. By rotating crops, Mago recognized the importance of maintaining soil health and fertility over the long term.

In essence, Mago’s recommendations foreshadow contemporary sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the need to work in harmony with ecological processes. The diversified and rotated crops contribute to a more resilient and balanced agricultural ecosystem, promoting long-term soil fertility and reducing the environmental impact associated with monoculture. Mago's insights showcase a forward-thinking approach that transcends the boundaries of his time, highlighting the timelessness of sustainable agricultural principles.

Mago's advocacy for crop diversification and rotation :

Mago's advocacy for crop diversification and rotation reflects a profound understanding of agricultural sustainability rooted in ecological principles. Crop diversification involves cultivating a variety of crops rather than relying on a single type. This practice has several benefits, including reduced vulnerability to pests and diseases, improved soil structure, and enhanced biodiversity.

By recommending crop diversification, Mago demonstrated an awareness of the ecological advantages that arise from a diverse agricultural system. Different crops have varying nutrient requirements and growth patterns, and cultivating a mix of them helps maintain a balanced and fertile soil ecosystem. This approach contrasts with monoculture, where a single crop is repeatedly planted, often leading to nutrient depletion and increased susceptibility to pests.

Furthermore, Mago's emphasis on crop rotation aligns with modern sustainable farming practices. Crop rotation involves changing the type of crops grown in a specific field over different seasons. This strategy helps break pest and disease cycles, reduces soil erosion, and prevents nutrient depletion. By rotating crops, Mago recognized the importance of maintaining soil health and fertility over the long term.

In essence, Mago's recommendations foreshadow contemporary sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the need to work in harmony with ecological processes. The diversified and rotated crops contribute to a more resilient and balanced agricultural ecosystem, promoting long-term soil fertility and reducing the environmental impact associated with monoculture. Mago's insights showcase a forward-thinking approach that transcends the boundaries of his time, highlighting the timelessness of sustainable agricultural principles.

Mago’s insights into efficient irrigation systems :

Mago's insights into efficient irrigation systems demonstrate an early understanding of hydraulic engineering within the context of agriculture. His emphasis on optimizing water distribution for crops reflects a practical and forward-thinking approach embedded in his agricultural treatise.

Efficient irrigation is crucial for agricultural success, especially in regions with limited water resources. Mago's recognition of the importance of water management suggests a keen awareness of the impact it has on crop health and overall agricultural productivity. By prioritizing the optimization of water distribution, Mago addressed the fundamental need for a sustainable and effective irrigation system.

In practical terms, this emphasis on optimizing water distribution implies a consideration of factors such as the type of crops, soil conditions, and climate. Mago likely proposed irrigation techniques that took into account the specific water requirements of different crops and devised systems to ensure an even and efficient distribution of water across fields.

Moreover, Mago's insights underscore the interdisciplinary nature of his agricultural knowledge, combining elements of agronomy and engineering. The efficiency of irrigation systems directly influences crop yield and, consequently, the overall success of agricultural practices.

In essence, Mago's attention to optimizing water distribution for crops goes beyond mere agricultural advice; it reflects a nuanced understanding of hydraulic engineering principles. This early recognition of the importance of water management in agriculture showcases Mago's practical wisdom and contributes to the enduring relevance of his insights in the broader context of sustainable farming practices.

Mago’s contributions extend beyond the realm of crop cultivation, encompassing a holistic approach that integrates livestock management and husbandry. His insights underscore the interconnectedness of agriculture and animal husbandry in ancient societies, providing a comprehensive view of sustainable farming practices.

Livestock Management and Husbandry :

Livestock management involves the care, breeding, and utilization of domesticated animals, and Mago recognized its integral role in agricultural sustainability. By considering both crops and livestock, he embraced a holistic perspective that acknowledged the symbiotic relationship between plants and animals in maintaining a balanced and productive agricultural ecosystem.

Mago likely offered recommendations on aspects of livestock husbandry such as breeding practices, animal health, and the strategic use of livestock in agriculture. Integrating livestock into farming systems can provide additional benefits, including nutrient recycling, pest control, and diversified income sources for farmers.

This holistic approach aligns with modern principles of agroecology, emphasizing the importance of diversification and synergy between different components of the agricultural system. Mago’s recognition of the interdependence between crops and livestock highlights an advanced understanding of sustainable farming that goes beyond monoculture.

Furthermore, managing livestock in tandem with crop cultivation contributes to soil fertility through manure utilization, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency. Mago’s recommendations likely promoted a balanced and resilient agricultural ecosystem, considering the broader implications of sustainable practices on both plant and animal life.

In essence, Mago’s inclusion of livestock management in his agricultural treatise reveals a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between different elements of farming. His holistic approach provides valuable insights into sustainable agriculture, showcasing an awareness of the need to harmonize diverse components for long-term agricultural resilience and productivity.

Conclusion :

Mago the Carthaginian, renowned for his military prowess, also earned a place in history as the Father of Farming. His comprehensive agricultural treatise, filled with practical wisdom and innovative ideas, laid the groundwork for sustainable and prosperous farming practices. Mago's enduring legacy serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of military and agricultural advancements in shaping the course of ancient civilizations.

As we navigate the realms of uncertainty, it becomes evident that Mago, whether factual or symbolic, represents more than a singular entity. Mago embodies the collective aspirations of societies striving for sustenance and prosperity. His legacy becomes a lens through which we can examine the intricate relationship between humanity and the land, the delicate balance required for sustainable agricultural practices, and the perennial quest for a harmonious coexistence with nature.

In the grand narrative of human history, Mago emerges as a beacon guiding us to appreciate the profound interplay between culture, knowledge, and the cultivation of the earth. Regardless of the mysteries shrouding Mago’s identity, the narrative surrounding this figure invites us to reflect on the essence of agriculture as a transformative force that has shaped the destiny of civilizations. The spirit of Mago lives on in the fields that continue to yield sustenance, in the traditions passed down through generations, and in the ongoing quest for agricultural harmony that remains a cornerstone of our shared human heritage.

Bibliography :

• Cato the Elder. (circa 160 BCE).
• Huss, Werner. (1985). The Carthaginians. Translated by Janet Sondheimer. Harvard University Press.
• Quinn, Josephine Crawley. (2014). In Search of the Phoenicians. Princeton University Press.
• Miles, Richard. (2011). Carthage Must Be Destroyed: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Civilization.
• Dalby, Andrew. (2003). Food in the Ancient World from A to Z. Routledge.
• Quinn, Josephine Crawley. (2014). In Search of the Phoenicians. Princeton University Press.
• Lancel, Serge. (1995). Carthage: A History. Blackwell.
• Heurgon, Jacques. (1973). Daily Life of the Carthaginians. Hackett Publishing.