Formerly a famous Roman town located in Thysdrus, El Jem is amongst the most significant towns of North Africa. El Jem is little town located in the eastern part of Tunisia. This town is well known today for the remains of the amphitheater which is also listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage site. Visitors that come to El Jem can visit this famous amphitheater and experience a vast amount of history associated with it. The remains of this monument speaks of its own history, from the time it was built, its glorious years when gladiator and chariot races adorned it till today when visitors come to feel the thrill that this amphitheaters gave during its time.
El Jem Tunisia
Interiors of the El Jem Tunisia
Mosaic Tiles in the El Jem Tunisia
More Mosaics with art on the El jem Walls
Classic Mosaic Pictures
Amphitheater, El Jem, Tunisia
Roman Amphitheater in El Jem Tunisia
Amphitheater Siting area in El Jem Tunisia
Ruins of El jem Tunisia Amphitheater
Closer look at the El Jem Amphitheater walls
The Main Arena at El Jem Tunisia
Highlights of the amphitheater
- It was built way back in the third century AD
- Was capable of accommodating a whopping 35,000 spectators
- It is often wrongly address as Colosseum
- It is amongst the largest amphitheater in Rome after the Flavian and Capua
- It was built under Emperor Proconsul Gordian by the Romans
- Was built for mainly chariot races and gladiator shows
- Its blocks were used to build the surrounding town and even the Great Mosque located in Kairouan
- It was declared to be a World Heritage site in the year 1979
- It has been used for filming in recent times
How to reach
El Jem is well connected from places like Sousse, Sfax and Kairouan. Travellars can opt for shared taxis or buses to reach this site.
Things to consider
- El Jem is a quiet and a simple city with limited stay and food options
- Visiting the amphitheatre is chargeable
- Best time to visit is 8.00 am
Where to stay
- Hotel Club Ksar El Jem
- Hotel Riu El Masour
- Iberostar Royal El Mansour
- One Resort Monastir
- El Mouradi Cap Mahdia