Dougga, Tunisia
Tunisia is an excellent destination to explore a rich and varied heritage spanning many centuries and cultures – from the Phoenicians 3,000 years ago to the Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, Venetians and the French in the late 19th century. The country finally gained full independence in 1956.
Hannibal in Carthage
Built by order of Queen Dido in the 8th century BC, this mighty Phoenician naval port was destroyed by the Romans in 159BC. The ruins you see today are mainly of the later Roman city founded by Julius Caesar in 44BC. The Antonine Baths were once the largest outside Rome and you can also view remains of houses, villas, temples and shrines. For a bit of atmosphere imagine, as you walk amid the ruins, that it was from here that Hannibal launched his almost successful conquest of the Roman Empire.
A towering amphitheatre in the desert
The amphitheatre in El Djem, 80 kilometres south of Sousse, is only slightly smaller than the Colosseum in Rome but better preserved. Building it was an impressive achievement. The blocks of sandstone were transported from quarries 32 kilometres away and water was carried along a 16 kilometre-long underground aqueduct. Seeing the amphitheatre rising majestically out of the surrounding desert is an unforgettable sight and the UNESCO World Heritage Site honour is well deserved. Sit quietly among the tiers that rise to 35 metres, and imagine being one of 35,000 spectators cheering for your favourite gladiator.
Cosy communal latrines and spectacular views in Dougga
Dougga near Tunis is spread over 65 hectares on the slopes of a hill. The numerous public and private buildings make this one of the best-preserved Roman sites in Tunisia – don’t miss the spectacular commanding view over the valley from the amphitheatre. The city was an important military post and regional administrative centre, which you may be able to imagine when you see the grooves left in the streets by the chariot wheels. As for the communal latrines, there are 12, arranged in a horseshoe shape not far from the brothel. The conversations here must have been entertaining …
The city of 50 mosques
Kairouan is the Holy City of North Africa and the fourth holiest city of Islam after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. Of the numerous mosques, the most notable is the Great Mosque of Sidi Okba, the oldest Muslim place of worship in Africa. The present structure dates back to 863. The vast courtyard leads to the imposing prayer hall that exudes spirituality and space. Non-Muslims aren’t allowed inside the hall but can take a look through the doors that are conveniently left open. As well as the vast chandeliers and colourful rugs, a peak inside will reveal hundreds of mismatched columns, taken from many older sites in the country – including Carthage!
Haven’t I seen this before?
As you wander around the country in search of archaeological sites, you may just ask yourself that question. If you’re a film buff you probably have, as Tunisia is a popular location for directors. You can visit…
Monastir, used in Monty Python’s The Life of Brian
The desert near Tozeur, which features in The English Patient and Star Wars Episode 1
Kairouan’s streets, which impersonated Cairo in the Indiana Jones film, Raiders of the Lost Ark