Cartagena is a walled town and has a fine harbor defended by forts. In the time of Philip II of spain, it was a major naval seaport of Spain.

It was founded about 230 BC by Carthaginian General Hasdrubal as Carthago Nova (New Carthage. Incidentally Qart Hadast, the Punic name of Carthago means "new city".) When it was taken by Scipio in209 BC it was said to be one of the richest cities in the world.

Hannibal got silver from the mines there to carry on the war against Rome.

Cartagena was the birthplace of Isidore of Seville.