Cartagena is a city of history and culture, located on the Mediterranean coast in the Region of Murcia, Spain. The city was founded by the Carthaginians in 228 BC as Qart Hadasht, and was known as Cartago Nova (New Carthage) to distinguish it from the older Cartagena, in southern Spain. The city was greatly fortified by the Romans and became an important naval base. The city was ruled by the Moors from 714 until it was recaptured by the Spanish in 1485. The city was the birthplace of the Roman Emperor Trajan. Cartagena was also the birthplace of the Spanish General and Conqueror of Mexico, Hernán Cortés.
Cartagena is a popular tourist destination, with a large number of holiday resorts, hotels, and restaurants. The city is also home to a large naval base and the Spanish Navy's Mediterranean fleet.