Chemtou archaeological site

Chemtou archaeological site lies just 16 km from Bulla Regia. It played a significant role in Numidian history. Like Bulla Regia, Chemtou was pivotal in the ancient Numidian region. Ancient Simitthu was famous for its yellow and pink marble quarries. This marble, known as gialó numidicum, adorned prestigious buildings across the Mediterranean. Temples, palaces, and luxurious residences used this stone. The marble quarries’ exploitation led to the city’s rise and growth.

Surviving monuments include villas, a judicial basilica, a theater, an aqueduct, and a bridge. These now form a visible part of its heritage. The site consists of two main areas. These are the quarry itself and the city of Simitthu.

Chemtou archaeological site, marble quarries, museum, and industrial heritage

Recent development efforts have highlighted Numidian marble’s significance. A Tunisian-German cooperation carried out a comprehensive excavation campaign. They established a site museum. Discoveries on-site demonstrate a level of material, intellectual, and spiritual advancement. Previously, little was known about this advancement. The museum now showcases these discoveries masterfully.

Adjacent to the museum, preserved installations remain. These installations date from a marble factory in the early 20th century. They are the first artifacts of “industrial archaeology” promoted in Tunisia