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:: Destinations
El-Jem
El-Jem is one of the most
arresting sights in Tunisia. If you have not seen this, you
have seen nothing. It is the most well-preserved, ancient
colosseum, as big as the Colosseum in Rome. It dwarfs the
matchbox buildings of the modern town. Built on a plateau
halfway between Sousse and Sfax, some 210 km (130 miles) south
of Tunis, El-Jem can be seen from miles around, completely
dominating the area.
The colosseum, which has been
included in the UN's World Heritage List, is believed to have
been built between 230 and 238 AD. It has been used as a
defensive position many times in its history. It suffered
badly in the 17th century, when the troops of Mohammed Bey
blasted a hole in the western wall to flush out local
tribesmen who had rebelled against taxation demands. The
breach was further widened during an 1850 rebellion, but
thankfully the modern emphasis is on preservation and hence
the colosseum has been preserved for posterity.
The
population of the town is below 30000. But the seating
capacity of the colosseum is estimated at 30000, thus making
it one of the most impressive Roman monuments in Africa. You
can still climb up to the top tiers of seating and gaze down
on the arena. It's also possible to explore the two long
underground passageways that once held the animals, gladiators
and other unfortunates destined for the arena
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