What to see in El Djem?
El Djem Amphitheater
Capable of holding 35,000 spectators, only the Colosseum in Rome and the amphitheater in Capua were larger. This architectural jewel of Tunisia was built by the Romans around the year 238 and was especially used for gladiator shows and small-format chariot races. Until the 17th century it remained practically intact. From that date its stones were used to build the nearby town of El Djem and the Great Mosque of Kairouan. Its current state is also due to the use of cannons by the Turks to, in their battle against the Ottoman Empire, disperse the rebels who had taken refuge in the amphitheater. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979. As a curiosity, it should be noted that the movie Gladiator was filmed here.
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