Beja, Tunisia

... More

has now given place to sugar-cane. The crop is processed in a sugar refinery in the town.

History

The site, known in antiquity as Vaga, is believed to have been occupied since the sixth century B.C. In 146 B.C. it became part of Masinissa's kingdom, and in 109 B.C. was conquered by Metellus. Situated in the center of the province of Ifriqiya, the granary of Rome, it developed into an important market for corn. Sallust (85-35 B.C.), who was governor of the province of Africa Nova for some years, refers to a sanctuary of Ceres/Demeter and to a lively festival in honor of Ceres. In A.D. 448 the town was destroyed by the Vandals, but it was later rebuilt and fortified by Justinian. A raid by Beni Hilal nomads in the 11th century laid waste the surrounding countryside, and the town recovered only during the French occupation. It is now the principal market town and communications center of the Medjerda area.

Access

Béja lies 109km/68mi west of Tunis on GP 6 (Tunis-Jendouba). There are regular rail connections with Tunis, Jendouba and Tabarka.