El Jem, known in ancient times for its olive groves, has one of the largest
extant Roman amphitheatres in the world. Built in the 2nd Century AD
for gladiatorial combats and beast spectacles, the amphitheatre is now used for
classical music concerts. El Jem also has a museum, built in the manner of a
Roman house, containing Roman antiquities.
Sousse
Sousse dates back to the
Carthaginian era. The Great Mosque of Sousse is worth a visit. Like so many of
the monuments of Sousse, it was
built in the ninth century by the Aghabid Arab residents, specifically the Emir
Abou Al Abbes Mohamed. Also like so many monuments in Sousse,
it looks distinctly like a fortress. Carpets of many colors littered the floor
of the prayer area, where the non Muslim is permitted just a peek, around the
bases of a thick forest of orderly columns. There’s a museum and some Christian
catacombs, part of which is open to the public.
Dougga
Dougga is all that one dreams a Roman site should be. Grandiose temples and
theaters, forum and markets stand in remarkable repair on a mountainside
overlooking wheat fields and valley. Some 20 to 30,000 persons lived here and
their shops, stores and baths, latrines, wash room and gymnasiums bring them to
life. Stone streets bear the grooves of chariot wheels and in the silent, wind
swept afternoon one can almost hear their clatter. Dougga was a prosperous city
even before the coming of the Romans. A Lybico or Punic tower from the 2nd
century BC stands 21 meters high at the edge of the town, once ornamented by a
stele bearing the names of its builders and Numidian princes were believed to
have resided here.
Visiting Tunisia
Tunis and Carthage
are serviced by an international airport. Most towns in Tunisia
can be explored on foot. Rail and road travel between towns in Tunisia
is available.