Chemtou archaeological site
Chemtou archaeological site is located just 16 km from Bulla Regia, and is a significant part of Numidian history. Like Bulla Regia, Chemtou played a pivotal role in the ancient Numidian region.
Ancient Simitthu was renowned for its quarries of yellow and pink marble known as gialó numidicum, which adorned prestigious buildings throughout the ancient Mediterranean, including temples, palaces, and luxurious residences. The exploitation of these marble quarries led to the rise and growth of a city. Surviving monuments such as villas, a judicial basilica, a theater, an aqueduct, and a bridge now form a visible part of its heritage.
The site consists of two main areas: the quarry itself, equipped with industrial facilities, and the city of Simitthu.
Recent development efforts, including the establishment of a site museum through a comprehensive excavation campaign under Tunisian-German cooperation, have not only highlighted the significance of Numidian marble in antiquity but also uncovered new insights into Numidian civilization. Discoveries made on-site demonstrate a level of material, intellectual, and spiritual advancement previously little understood, now showcased masterfully in the museum.
Adjacent to the museum, preserved installations of a marble factory dating back to the early 20th century have been identified and designated as the initial artifacts of “industrial archaeology” to be promoted in Tunisia.