Amphitheatre in El Djem My Fav Spot

Amphitheatre in El Djem

Amphitheatre in El Djem is the third largest amphitheater in the world. It was built between 230-238 AD, and its originator was probably the emperor Gordian I. It is the most spectacular Roman building in North Africa. He kept himself in better condition than Roman Coliseum. At its peak it housed the 30-35 thousand viewers. Lumber imported from 30 km away quarries in Sulectum (today Salakta) on the coast and an underground aqueduct brought water from the hills located 15 km northwest of the city. Amphitheater was many times used for defense purposes. In its walls at the end of the seventh century. He defends itself against Arab princess Berber al-Kahina. In the seventeenth century Mohammed Bey army blew up the western part of the wall to smash the local tribes. Gap was expanded during the next rebellion in 1850. Worth seeing the place where was shot film Gladiator. Terrific ruins allow you to imagine how they fought once in the arena. This monument was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1979.

ruins and archeological sitesMahdia, TunisiaEl Djem, Mahdia, Tunisia