Happy TravellerWelcome to El Djem, a small town located in the Mahdia Governorate of Tunisia. Despite its size, El Djem is home to one of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world – the Amphitheater of El Jem. But there’s more to this town than just its ancient history. Let’s explore what El Djem has to offer.
History:
El Djem was once known as Thysdrus, a Roman city built on former Punic settlements. It was an important center of olive oil production and export, and even had its own Christian bishopric. By the early 3rd century, Thysdrus rivaled Hadrumetum as the second city of Roman North Africa after Carthage. However, following a revolt in AD 238 and Roman troops sacking the city, Thysdrus declined. The town is shown on the 4th-century Peutinger Map.
Sights:
The Amphitheater of El Jem is the main attraction in town. It could seat 35,000 spectators and was mainly used for gladiator shows and small-scale chariot races. Only the Colosseum in Rome and the ruined theater of Capua were larger. The ruins of the amphitheater were declared a World Heritage Site in 1979 and it hosts the annual El Djem International Symphony Festival. Drifting sand is preserving the market city of Thysdrus and the refined suburban villas that once surrounded it. Some floor mosaics have been found and published, one of them featuring the iconography of (Dea) Africa, but field archaeology has scarcely been attempted. Recently with aerial photos, a huge racetrack stadium has been discovered.
World War II:
During World War II, a major military airfield was located near El Djem, used first by the German Luftwaffe and later by the United States Army Air Forces Twelfth Air Force as a transport field. There are few, if any, remains of the airfield today with the land being returned to agricultural uses outside of the city.
Transport:
El Djem is located on the A1 motorway which runs from Tunis to Sfax. The metre gauge railway from Tunis to Gabès, known as La Ligne de la Côte, stops at El Djem.
In conclusion, El Djem may be a small town, but it packs a big punch with its impressive Roman ruins and rich history. It’s a must-visit destination for any history buff or traveler looking for a unique experience. Book your trip to El Djem today and discover the wonders of this hidden gem in Tunisia.
