Gustave Flaubert 
Salammbô 

Salammbô is a historical novel written by Gustave Flaubert. The novel is set in ancient Carthage, during the Mercenary War (240–238 BC), a conflict between the mercenaries of Carthage and the Carthaginian state. The story revolves around the character of Salammbô, the daughter of the Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca, and her forbidden love for the mercenary leader Matho. The story begins with the mercenaries demanding their payment from the Carthaginians, who are unable to pay due to financial difficulties. Matho, the leader of the mercenaries, falls in love with Salammbô after seeing her during a ceremony in the temple of the goddess Tanit. Salammbô, who is dedicated to the temple, is also drawn to Matho. However, their love is forbidden, and they face many obstacles in pursuing their feelings. Will Slammbo and Matho get together? The novel is a masterful work of historical fiction, combining Flaubert's meticulous research with his poetic prose.