Emporia was an Ancient Greek term relating to the various Phoenician city-states and trade outposts in Northern Africa. Included in this term are cities like Carthage, Lepcis Magna, and Cyrene among others (although Cyrene was founded by Greeks).

Emporia is also a Latin plural noun meaning places of trade, markets, etc.

References

• Septimius Severus; The African Emperor, Anthony R. Birley, pgs. 1-7