Salammbô

Historical Context and Significance

Gustave Flaubert's «Salammbô» is a historical novel published in 1862 that immerses the reader in the era of 3rd century BC Carthage, during the Mercenary War. The book is renowned for its meticulous historical research and detailed depiction of the ancient world, which was groundbreaking for its time. Flaubert's pursuit of historical accuracy significantly influenced the development of the historical novel genre. «Salammbô» also impacted 19th-century European art and literature, inspiring artists and writers to create works dedicated to ancient civilizations. The novel emphasizes themes of passion, brutality, and exoticism, making it an important cultural artifact of its time.