Tunisia
Tunisia is located at the northernmost tip of the African continent, with a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered to the north and east by this sea, featuring approximately 1,200 kilometers of shoreline. To the southeast, it shares a border with Libya, while Algeria lies to the west.
Covering an area of 163,610 square kilometers, Tunisia has a population of about 10 million people. The capital city, Tunis, along with its suburbs, serves as the country’s primary industrial and commercial hub. Tunis is connected to the Mediterranean Sea by a canal, enhancing its importance as a significant port. Major cities in Tunisia include Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, and Gabes.
Historical Sites in Tunisia
Tunisia has been influenced by several civilizations throughout its history, including the Phoenician, Roman, and Punic cultures. This rich heritage has resulted in numerous historical and archaeological sites that beautifully depict the country’s past and the history of its people. Below are some of the most significant archaeological attractions:
National Museum:
The National Museum of Tunisia, one of the oldest and most important museums in the country, was established over a century ago within one of the Bey’s palaces. The majority of the museum was constructed during the mid-19th century, and its halls continue to stand proudly today. The museum is renowned for its regal palace architecture and has undergone various restorations and enhancements. Its international acclaim largely stems from its diverse and intricate mosaics, considered some of the most exquisite artifacts in the museum.
Carthage Museum:
Founded at the beginning of the last century, the Carthage Museum is situated underground beneath a Catholic theological building adjacent to Saint Louis Cathedral, which was built in the late 19th century within the Acropolis site of Carthage. This museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Carthaginian, Greek, Roman, and Islamic periods.
The museum has been renovated to improve the display of its ever-growing collections, allowing visitors to experience enhanced techniques in artifact presentation and preservation. The restructuring of the museum is part of a broader initiative to revitalizing Carthage’s archaeological site, transforming it into one of the most significant historical and archaeological museums in North Africa.
Sbeïtla (Ancient Sufetula):
Located in the western central part of Tunisia, Sbeïtla is approximately 260 kilometers away from Carthage. Human settlement in Sbeïtla dates back to ancient times, with artifacts from the eighth and sixth millennia BCE found in the area. The establishment of the city is dated to the second half of the first century CE, during the Flavian dynasty.
With the rise of Christianity, Sbeïtla became an episcopal see around the third century CE. Following the return of the Byzantines under Emperor Justinian in 533, Sbeïtla emerged as one of the centers of Byzantine governance. It is said that Patriarch Jerger chose Sbeïtla as his headquarters after declaring independence from the emperor in the early seventh century CE.
During this period, several buildings were fortified to defend against attacks from Berber tribes as well as strong Islamic forces coming from Tripoli. The first battles between the Byzantines and Muslims occurred in Sbeïtla or its vicinity, culminating in a Muslim victory in 647.