Nothing says you’ve arrived in El Jem like the first view of its ancient amphitheatre

The ancient amphitheatre is not all that remains of the once-powerful Roman city of Thysdrus, but it is, without a doubt, its grandest monument.

Towering high above the buildings around it, the El Jem amphitheatre makes a surreal first impression as the taxi drives into town. And while it’s not the only Roman monument in the country, it is certainly the grandest. It bears testament of the former power and glory of the city of Thysdrus, once upon a time so prosperous that Julius Caesar made it his stomping ground. Back then, 35,000 spectators would meet at the amphitheatre to watch gladiators battle. It also hosted sporting events. It was built in 238AD and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.