El Djem Attractions
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The little market town of El Djem lies in the Tunisian Sahel between Sousse in the north and Sfax in the south. The town's great landmark is the amphitheater, the largest Roman building in North Africa, whose walls rise high above the surrounding houses. From whatever direction you approach El Djem, the amphitheater is the first thing that catches your eye. There is a busy market here every Monday. During the summer musical performances are given in the amphitheater.
History
There was a Punic settlement here in the third century B.C., but it became a place of some importance only when Caesar, after landing at Ruspina (now Monastir), founded the Roman town of Thysdrus on the site in 46 B.C. The town lay on an important road and in the center of a large olive-growing region; and since olive oil was in great demand in Rome at that period - both as a foodstuff and as fuel and in the manufacture of soap and cooking essences - the town rapidly prospered.
History
There was a Punic settlement here in the third century B.C., but it became a place of some importance only when Caesar, after landing at Ruspina (now Monastir), founded the Roman town of Thysdrus on the site in 46 B.C. The town lay on an important road and in the center of a large olive-growing region; and since olive oil was in great demand in Rome at that period - both as a foodstuff and as fuel and in the manufacture of soap and cooking essences - the town rapidly prospered.
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Amphitheater
Also referred to as the African Colosseum this is the world's fourth largest Roman amphitheater and very well preserved. It can hold 30,000 people.
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Archeological Museum
The Archeological Museum of El Djem has an interesting layout. It displays pieces obtained from Christian churches and various Roman artifacts.
Amphitheater, El Djem
Amphitheater, El Djem
Amphitheater, El Djem
Amphitheater, El Djem
Amphitheater, El Djem
Amphitheater, El Djem
