Editing Carthago Nova (section)

=== Late Empire: Creation of the Carthaginensis province === 
[[File:Estatua de joven con clámide (20230520 190917).jpg|thumb|240px|A youth with a ''chlamys'' from the [[Roman forum, Cartagena|Roman forum]]. Archaeological Museum of Cartagena]] [[File:Rea teatro romano cartagena.jpg|thumb|240px|''Rhea Silvia''. Roman Theatre Museum]] This downturn was slowed in 298, when Emperor [[Diocletian]] divided [[Hispania Tarraconensis]] into three provinces, creating the Roman province of ''[[Carthaginensis]]'', with its capital in Cartagena.

A large part of the eastern sector of the city was rebuilt using materials from the Augustan buildings, as was the case with the monumental market built over the remains of the Roman theatre, or the [[Roman Baths of Cartagena|baths on Calle Honda]].

Commercial activity in the city shifted to the production of ''[[garum]]'', a fermented fish sauce; numerous remains of such facilities have been found along the coast. An example of the shift from mining to garum production can be seen in the [[Villa romana del Paturro|Roman villa of Paturro]].

Around 425, the city was devastated and plundered by the [[Vandals]] before they moved on to [[North Africa]].

Nevertheless, the city must have recovered to some extent. In 461, Emperor [[Majorian]] assembled a fleet of 45 ships in Cartagena, aiming to invade and recover the [[Vandal Kingdom]] of North Africa for the Empire. The [[Battle of Cartagena (461)|Battle of Cartagena]] ended in a serious defeat for the Roman navy, which was completely destroyed.