What was the ancient name of Cartagena, Spain?

The ancient name of Cartagena, Spain, is indeed Carthago Nova. This name reflects its historical significance as a major city founded by the Carthaginians in the early 3rd century BCE. The term "Carthago" links the city to Carthage, the powerful North African city-state, while "Nova" means "new," indicating its status as a new settlement established by settlers from Carthage. As it evolved over time, the name Carthago Nova was used to distinguish it from the original Carthage.

The other options, while they incorporate similar elements, do not accurately represent the historical name used for this city. "Carthage" refers to the original city in North Africa and does not denote the Spanish settlement. "Nova Carthago" and "Cartagena Nova" are variations of the name that are not historically documented as the original name of the city. Understanding the name's roots helps to appreciate the region's historical context and cultural significance in both ancient and modern times.