Amphitheatre (Colosseum) in El Jem, Tunisia (Amphitheatre in El Jem)

Amphitheater (Colosseum) in El Djem. The mere mention of this Tunisian architectural masterpiece makes many people want to see it with their own eyes, touch the history and wander through the centuries-old ruins that have preserved the spirit of antiquity. This grandiose building from the reign of the Roman Empire in Tunisia annually attracts hundreds of tourists here, both independently and as part of organized groups. In 1979, the El Djem Amphitheater was rightfully included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

It is often compared to the Colosseum in Rome, probably hence its second name – the Colosseum, but this is not entirely true, because the original Colosseum belongs only to Rome.

The Tunisian Amphitheater is located in the heart of the city of El Jem. Due to the proximity of some resorts (Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, Sfax), it will not be difficult to get here. And it should definitely be done.

During the reign of the Roman Empire, the city of El Djem was called Thysdrus and was the second most important after Carthage. Then, because of the favorable climate, the city was simply teeming with olive groves. Olive oil in those days was very much appreciated (and even now) and was equated almost to gold. By growing and selling olive oil, the ancient Romans made quite a fortune for themselves. However, in addition to work, the nobility also needed entertainment. Therefore, the Roman proconsul Gordian I decided to build an amphitheater for them, where the rich could brighten up their leisure time. And the entertainment of the Romans was still the same! The stands of the Colosseum could accommodate up to 35 thousand spectators who enthusiastically watched the gladiatorial fights, the battle between predators, and also how hungry lions tore apart prisoners and slaves thrown to them to be torn apart. Remember at least the movie "Gladiator", several scenes of which were filmed here.

The amphitheater consists of three floors (according to some sources there were four of them) with many arches. The height of its walls exceeds 30 meters, and the length of the oval stage measures 60 by 37 meters. Numerous rooms for gladiators and slaves, cages for wild animals, etc. were provided under the Amphitheater arena.

Scientists are still debating when the Tunisian Amphitheater was built. Presumably this date is from 230, but not later than 238. In 238, an uprising was raised, the purpose of which was to elect a new emperor (Gordian I), instead of the hated Maximin. The uprising was defeated, and the elected Gordian I managed to rule for only 36 days. The city was destroyed and then could not recover and regain its former importance. As for the Amphitheater, it was safe and sound until the 7th century. Then the stones from it were used in the construction of a new city near the Amphitheater – now El Jem, as well as in the construction of a Mosque in Kairouan. Later, he repeatedly acted as a fortress. In the XVII century. it was attacked by cannonballs, traces of which can be seen today on its walls.

Nevertheless, even now the Amphitheater looks impressive. Tourists to this day can walk through its scene and mentally go back several centuries. The spirit of the Roman Empire is hovering around. And although the marble and mosaic have long been crumbling from the walls of the theater, many still say that the Tunisian Amphitheater looks much more impressive than its Roman "brother". In addition, even in our modern times, a symphony international festival is held here every year (from July to August), because the acoustics of the theater are simply amazing.

The best time to visit the Amphitheater is in the afternoon, at this time you can take good photos.

Not far from the Amphitheater is the Archaeological Museum, which also has a collection of Roman mosaics.

🚶 How to get there: El Jem is located about 80 kilometers from Monastir and a little closer from Sousse (Colosseum on the map of Tunisia). You can get here by minibus (luage) from the corresponding station in each city (Mahdia, Sousse, Monastir, Hammamet), or by taxi. It is possible to get from Sousse on a budget by train.

🕐 Working hours: daily, from October to April – 8.30-17.00, from May to September – 8.00-19.00.

Entrance fee / tickets price: 8 dinars (see currency of Tunisia), photo – 1 dinar (including visit archaeological Museum).