CHAPTER III

THE CONQUEST OF AL-MAGHREB

General Disorder following the Death of Mohammed--Regulations of Islam--Progress of the Moslem Arms--Northern Africa, the Land of the Evening--Its Fertility--Its Population--Expedition of Abdallah--Defeat of the Greeks--Invasion of Okbah--Foundation of Kairoan--March of Hassan--Ancient Carthage--Its Influence on Europe--Its Splendid Civilization--Its Maritime Power, its Colonies, its Resources--Description of the City--Its Architectural Grandeur--Its Harbors, Temples, and Public Edifices--Roman Carthage--Its Luxury and Depravity--Its Destruction by the Moslems--Wars with the Berbers--Musa appointed General--His Romantic History--His Character--He subdues Al-Maghreb--Africa incapable of Permanent Civilization 128