Salammbô

work by Flaubert

Also known as: “Salambo”

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Article History

Salammbô, historical novel by Gustave Flaubert, published in 1862. Although the titular heroine is a fictional character, the novel’s setting of ancient Carthage and many characters are historically accurate, if highly romanticized.

Set after the First Punic War (264–241 bce), Salammbô is the story of the siege of Carthage in 240–237 bce by mercenaries who had not been paid for their help in fighting the Romans. It is also the story of the love of Mathô, one of the mercenaries, for Salammbô, the daughter of Hamilcar, chief magistrate of Carthage, and priestess of the city’s moon goddess.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.