El-Jem, Tunisia

Displayed:   times.

There are few sights in Tunisia more arresting than El-Jem, with its well-preserved, ancient colosseum (almost as big as its counterpart in Rome) that dwarfs the matchbox buildings of the modern town. Built on a plateau halfway between Sousse and Sfax, some 210km (130mi) south of Tunis, El-Jem can be seen from miles around, completely dominating the area.

The colosseum, believed to have been built between 230 and 238 AD, has been used as a defensive position many times in its history. It suffered badly in the 17th century, when the troops of Mohammed Bey blasted a hole in the western wall to flush out local tribesmen who had rebelled against taxation demands. The breach was further widened during an 1850 rebellion, but thankfully the modern emphasis is on preservation and the site is part of the UN's World Heritage List.

Its seating capacity has been estimated at 30,000 (considerably more than the population of the town itself), making it one of the most impressive Roman monuments in Africa. You can still climb up to the top tiers of seating and gaze down on the arena. It's also possible to explore the two long underground passageways that once held the animals, gladiators and other unfortunates destined for the arena. More info on: tunisia.securebooking.org

Rate this tip:

Rate!

Add Comment >>

Your Name:

Your Comment:

General Tips about Tunisia

» Required travel documents for Tunisia
» Electric power
» Area code to Tunisia
» Tunisia - Ichkeul National Park
» Tunisia - Tunis
» Tunisia - Tozeur
» Tunisia - Chebika
» Tunisia - South
» Tunisia - Sidi Bou Said
» Tunisia - Douz
» Tunisia - Kebili
» Tunisia - Nefta
» Tunisia - Matmata
» Tunisia - Mahadia
» Tunisia - Ksours
» Tunisia - Kairouan
» Tunisia - El Jem
» Tunisia - Dougga
» Tunisia - Carthage
» Tunisia - Tabarka
» Tunisia - Jerba
» Tunisia - Nabeul
» Tunisia - Hammamet
» Tunisia - Monastir
» Tunisia - Sousse
» Health
» Customs and currency
» Transportation
» Communications
» History
» Sfax
» Monastir
» Makthar
» Ksour District
» Kairouan
» Jerba Island
» Hammamet
» Ghomrassen
» Bulla Regia
» Bizerte
» Sidi Bou Saďd
» El-Jem
» Tozeur
» Sousse
» Matmata
» Dougga
» Carthage
» Cap Bon Peninsula
» Tunis

   More travel tips about Tunisia