Carthaginan Empire Religion

For many years religion has been used as a tool to influence those around us. Whether it be to gain power of a society or to influence the peers living in the society, religion has been proven has a very effective way to gain control of an empire. As the peninsula of Spain has seen many different kingdoms take control, one cannot ignore the fact that religion has been used as an instrument to scare, govern, and manipulate those in those communities. First, we will see how the Carthaginians created their empire from the ideology and practice of Polytheism. Next, we see how Constantine successfully implemented the Christian religion to get a stronger control of the peninsula. Also, we will investigate the proof that the Visigoths abandoned the

One of the very first leaders of the Carthaginians was leader, Hamilcar Barca. Barca, like other Carthaginian leaders, Barca was known for beginning and ending all his initiatives with a worship of the gods. “Hamilcar, before he entered Spain in a hostile manner, offered up a sacrifice to the gods; and his son, treading in his steps, before he left Spain, and marched against Rome, went as far as Cadiz, to pay for the vows which, he had made to Hercules.” Not only was religion a major role in the Carthaginian’s governance, but also a huge reason Barca was able to gain control. “Neither did individuals alone pride themselves upon displaying, on every occasion, this religious care to honour the deity; but it evidently was the genius and disposition of the whole nation.” An example of this usage can come from a treaty. This evidence proves that development of the Carthaginian empire relied heavily on the power of religion to influence the Carthaginian civilians. The Carthaginians were using religion as a tool to help solidify their community, and to help give purpose to their society. The next empire to take over Spain was the Roman empire, and they also show signs of using religion as a way to gain

Ziyad invaded the Spanish peninsula and later turned it into what was then called al-Andalus. Coincidently enough, the Muslim empire also showed evidence of utilizing the Islam religion to influence, and gain power over the citizens of the territory. One example of this is when the Muslims conquered the Berber tribes and converted them to Islam, to get them to join the Arab military. While we look at religion to practice our faith, during these times religion was used to gain political control and to build a stronger military. Matter of fact, the Muslims took religion so seriously that they even prohibited marriage between the Christian and Islam faith . After years of ruling, we eventually saw the Muslim rulers start to make laws for those who don’t practice the Islam religion (43). “We shall not build in our cities, or in their neighborhood, new monasteries, churches, convents, or monks’ cells, nor shall we repair, by day or by night, such of them as fall in ruins or are situated in the quarters of the Muslims. We shall not teach the Quran to our children. We shall not manifest our religion nor convert anyone to it. We shall not prevent any of our kind from entering Islam if they wish it. ” The Islam rulers wanted no one to attempt to convert their citizens to a different religion. Why would they care what religion was practiced in their community? One can only assume it is to maintain control of the territory.