Biography:
Dido, also known as Elissa, was the legendary founder and first queen of the Phoenician city-state of Carthage, located in modern Tunisia. Her story dates back to 814 BC and is best known through ancient Greek and Roman sources, although the historicity of Dido remains uncertain. Dido’s character, life, and role in the founding of Carthage are primarily known from Virgil’s epic poem, the Aeneid, written around 20 BC.
According to the Aeneid, Dido was the queen of the Phoenician city-state of Tyre, in present-day Lebanon. Fleeing from the tyranny of her ruthless and autocratic brother, Pygmalion, Dido embarked on a journey to establish her own city. She arrived in northwest Africa and founded the prosperous city of Carthage.
Dido is described as a clever and enterprising woman. After discovering that Pygmalion was responsible for her husband’s death, she realized she could no longer stay under his control. With her wisdom and leadership, Dido transformed the barren land of Carthage into a thriving city. She created a prosperous economy through trade and agriculture, attracting settlers from various regions.
Dido’s leadership and vision made Carthage a flourishing metropolis and a significant power in the Mediterranean. The city grew and became renowned for its wealth and well-planned infrastructure. Dido’s ability to foster a strong sense of community among her citizens played a crucial role in Carthage’s success.
Beyond her achievements as a ruler, Dido’s story also involves a tragic love affair with the Trojan hero Aeneas. Aeneas sought refuge in Carthage after fleeing the fall of Troy. Dido fell in love with him, but their relationship eventually led to her downfall. Aeneas was chosen by the gods to establish Rome, and he ultimately abandoned Dido, causing her great sorrow. Overwhelmed by grief, she took her own life.
Dido’s legacy extends far beyond her time. She remains an enduring figure in Western culture and arts since the early Renaissance, inspiring countless interpretations and adaptations of her story. In the early 20th century, Dido was chosen as a national symbol in Tunisian nationalism, with Tunisian women poetically referred to as Daughters of Dido. Her image has even been featured on Tunisian currency.
Although much of Dido’s story is steeped in legend, her influence on the founding of Carthage and her role as a powerful and influential queen cannot be overlooked. Dido’s intelligence, determination, and ability to lead a thriving city-state have solidified her place in history and women’s history.