Amphitheater of El Jem

The amphitheater of El Jem is an impressive Roman monument. It stands in a flat and desert plain in North Africa. Its massive, round silhouette makes it visible from a long distance. The locality around the building has avoided tall buildings. Consequently, this makes the monument even more prominent.

Despite many hardships over time, the amphitheater remains well-preserved. Severe cannonball bombardment at the end of the 17th century caused a large breach. However, the monument has retained most of its supporting infrastructure. This includes the podium wall, the arena, and the underground. These are practically intact.

The amphitheater could hold up to 30,000 spectators. This ranks it as the 7th largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire. The arena measures 65 meters along its long axis. Two large galleries cross it in the basement. These galleries served as passageways for actors, beasts, and machines. They could be confined in two series of eight underground cells.

A Milestone in Roman Africa

Erected around 238 AD, the amphitheater is an important milestone. It testifies to the prosperity of the small city of Thysdrus (now El Jem). This prosperity occurred during the Roman Empire. The monument is one of the most accomplished examples of Roman amphitheater architecture. It is almost on a par with the Colosseum in Rome.

The El Jem Coliseum has also served as a cultural space. For almost two decades, it has hosted the El Jem Symphony Music Festival. It also hosts other artistic events during summer. Its grandeur and unique features attract scholars and tourists alike. Ultimately, the amphitheater of El Jem offers an unforgettable journey into Tunisia’s Roman past.