About This Site
The archaeological site Gigthis lies in southern Tunisia, in the governorate of Medenine. It sits between Djerba and the Medenine peninsula, 1 km south of Sidi Salem Boughrara. The site covers 60 hectares. It lies on the ancient road linking Carthage to Leptis Magna.
Gigthis, Punic origins, Roman prosperity, and Byzantine citadel
Victor Guérin first identified the site in 1860 through two inscriptions. Gigthis belonged to Carthage in the 6th century BC. It developed an urban fabric by the 1st century. However, it only became a municipality in the 2nd century under Antoninus Pius. The city then prospered economically.
Two Punic-Roman necropolises and a Byzantine fortress bound the city to the north. The sea lies to the east. A temple of Mercury dominates the southeast. The city became a Numidian territory under Massinissa in the 2nd century BC. It later became part of Africa Nova, then Tripolitania.
Gigthis stood at the crossroads of main routes. It prospered and became a municipality under Antoninus Pius (138-161). The city served as an episcopal seat in Christian times. The Byzantines built a citadel in the 6th century. By 1307, Gigthis lay in ruins. The Islamic period left few traces.
The Roman forum stands in the center. The capitol is the most important building nearby. Remains of dwellings with mosaic corridors also survive. Recent restoration campaigns have cleared and highlighted the site’s components.
Good to Know
Opening Hours: Sep 16–May 31: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Jun 1–Sep 15: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM / 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Ramadan: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Entrance Fee: 5 TND
Remarks: Closed on Fridays.
Amenities: Bathroom, Shop, Cafeteria
Archaeological site of Gightis in Photos
