Salammbô

About “Salammbô”

Salammbô (1862) is a historical novel by Gustave Flaubert set in Carthage during the 3rd century BC. The story takes place before and during the Mercenary Revolt, which occurred after the First Punic War. Carthage fails to keep promises to its mercenary army, leading to conflict. The novel follows Salammbô, a priestess and daughter of Hamilcar Barca, a Carthaginian general. She is desired by Matho, a mercenary leader. With the help of Spendius, a freed slave, Matho steals the sacred veil of Carthage, the Zaïmph. To recover it, Salammbô enters the mercenaries' camp.