Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1192IR // #c1192Synthesis

"The Carthaginian commander in the field oversaw negotiating treaties, making decisions on settlements, judicial matters in camp and minting coinage." "The appointment to general was a whole project at which the commander either succeeded or failed."

— In our words · Source: Carthage: A New History (Eve MacDonald)

[Use when]

You are handing someone a large project far from oversight.

[Why it matters]

A Carthaginian general made treaties, settled land, judged cases and struck coins without referring home, for as long as his war lasted. Then he answered for the result in person before a council of 104. Failure meant exile or crucifixion. Malchus, the first general on record, was prosecuted for treason.

Filed under situations:When the team is looking to you to lead

More from Carthage: A New History

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