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Tunisia

We had a free day and had the opportunity to visit El Djem, home of the Third largest ancient Roman amphitheater in the world, which soars impressively above the surrounding buildings of the town.

Towering arches

The amphitheater was built around 238 AD located in the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis in present-day El Djem, Tunisia. It is one of the best preserved Roman stone ruins in the world, and is unique in Africa.

It has underground passages still today to walk in.

This underground part of Colosseum built below ground such as the series of tunnels under the Colosseum which held slaves , particularly enemy captives, and animals while keeping them ready to fight in the gladiatorial games. The animals and slaves could be let up through trapdoors under the sand-covered arena at any time during a fight. These elevators are still visible today at the amphitheater where animals fought against humans for the enjoyment of the spectators.

Graffiti from WWII from a soldier in 1943 named Steve still exists though all time and weather. It has never been removed.

As other amphitheatres in the Roman Empire, it was built for spectator events, and it is one of the biggest amphitheatres in the world. T

The estimated capacity is 35,000, and the sizes of the big and the small axes are respectively 486 feet by 400 feet. The amphitheater is built of stone blocks, located on a flat ground, and is exceptionally well conserved.

It illustrates the grandeur and extent of Imperial Rome. Built entirely of stone bricks, with no foundations and is free standing. It is 3 levels.

View of the city from the top of the Coliseum

In the Middle Ages, it served as a fortress, and the population sought shelter here during the attacks of Vandals in 430 and Arabs in 647. In 1695, during the Revolutions of Tunis it served as a fortress again.

In the second half of the 19th century, the structure was used for shops, dwellings, and grain storage.

This was an amazing day visiting this incredible historical coliseum. Walking from the underground where humans and animals were kept to the main level where humans fought humans and animals. To sit in the spectator stands. Just thinking of what has transpired here and still in such good shape is amazing.

We departed early this morning Kairouan driving north with a stop in Hammamet, a town of white washed houses and beautiful beaches. We walk around the town and find this man selling squid.

Hammamet is a popular destination for swimming and water sports and is one of the primary tourist destinations in Tunisia. It is located on the Mediterranean.

Tourism in Tunisia is an industry that generates around 9.4 million arrivals per year in 2016 to 2020, which makes it one of the most visited countries in Africa. Much of the tourism comes from Europe.

View of the beach areas from view point on top of one of the buildings.

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