I was born in the year 847BC into the house of Ithobaal I in an era where nymphs and monsters, giants and gods were not merely myths and legends. It was a time where the earth was still to be explored and adventure presented itself beyond every horizon. History has me recorded as Elissar daughter to the Phoenician King Mattan I of Tyre and sister to the tyrant Pygmalion his successor, however, there are also legends that claim that I was known as Dido, the adventurer Queen and founder of the greatest maritime city in the Mediterranean, a city called Carthrage. In truth, both are correct.
In this book I have recorded not only my life but the lives of all those I have known. It is a story of Beset, my closest friend and how she survived the savagery of the Egyptian army and the cruel abuse of the merchant that purchased her for slavery. It is the story of Nebu the sailor, Ankh my Egyptian teacher, Philosar my trusted advisor and dearest friend as well as so many more that I cannot mention in just a few sentences. Most importantly, it is the story of Sycheaus my uncle and husband, to whom I was given in marriage at the tender age of fourteen, but who became the love of my life and the reason for my escape from Tyre. In these pages I have recorded our heartache and joy as well as the many years we roamed the oceans and the adventures that brought us to establish the great city of Carthage.