Building on the foundation laid by its Phoenician forebears, Carthage developed its commercial network — primarily involving the importation of metals — into a giant trust, enforcing its monopoly by means of its powerful fleet and mercenary troops.
Rajatuna foiniiklastest esivanemate loodud alustele, arendas Kartaago oma kaubandusvõrgu (hõlmas peamiselt metalli - importi) hiigelkartelliks, mis vägeva laevastiku ja palgasõdurite salkadega oma monopoli jõuga peale sundis.