The fleet hugged the coast, anchoring at night, until the northern
shores stood out clear and well defined as Spain stretched down
towards Africa. Then they crossed and cruised along until they
arrived at Carthagena. Short as was the time which had elapsed
since the foundation of that city, its aspect was already imposing
and extensive. It lay at the head of a gulf facing south, about a
mile in depth and nearly double that width. Across the mouth of
this bay was an island, with but a narrow passage on each side,
protecting it from the southern winds, and forming with it a
magnificent harbour.

On a bold hill at the head of the harbour stood the town. This
hill rose from a wide lagoon, which communicated on one side with
the sea, and was on the other separated from it only by a strip
of land, four hundred yards wide. Through this a wide channel had
been dug. Thus the hill, which was of considerable extent, rugged
and precipitous, was isolated, and could only be attacked by sea.

The town was built in a sort of amphitheatre facing the sea, and
was surrounded by a strong fortification two miles and a half in
circumference, so that even should an assailant cross the lagoon,
which in summer was nearly dry, he would have before him an almost
impregnable defence to carry. Here, in buildings whose magnitude
surprised the newcomers, acquainted as they were with the buildings
of Carthage, were stored the treasures, the baggage, the ammunition
of war, and the provisions of the army.

It had been the aim of the great Hamilcar, and of Hasdrubal after
him, to render the army of Spain as far as possible independent