Carthage

The spectacular UNESCO ruin of Carthage is located 15 km north of Tunis. It is one of the best ancient roman cities in North Africa. The history begins with the Phoenicians who founded cartage in 814 BC. The Phoenicians than were defeated by Cartage that took over the power. After 3 wars with their rival Rome, Cartage fell, and around 50.000 Carthaginians where taken into slavery of the roman empire. Eventually the city grew in prosperity with 300.000 residents, and with major constructions for that time such as a circus holding 70.000 spectators, and a big amphitheatre. After the roman empire fell the Vandals, Byzantines, and the Arabs ruled Carthage.

The site city was built on a site of great natural beauty with houses running from the top of the Bysra hill down to the harbours. The entire Carthage site is visible from the Bysra hill with spectacular views. Strolling around on this site takes you back into time. Some of the highlight are:

Amphitheatre: an eviscerated amphitheatre ringed by forested, rolling hills. Once the theatre had place for 36.000 spectators.

Carthage Museum: the museum is located in the former French cathedral of St Louis Cathedral. Most remnants excavated from the ruins have been stored in the museum documenting both the Punic and the Roman eras.

Antonine Baths: These where once the largest Roman baths complex outside Rome itself, and are located on a sublime seaside sitting. The site also includes a Punic cemetery, some old houses, a chapel, some graves, mosaics, etc.

Water Cisterns: A very large series of water cisterns which functioned as a water redistribution point at the terminus of a long aqueduct from the hills to the south.

Punic ports: This were 2 ancient military sea ports that had place for more than 200 vessels, the reconstructions are housed in the Punic ports museum.

US war cemetery and memorial: Located north of Carthage is a forest of white crosses. The Cemetery is the final resting place for 2,841 American military Dead lost during the War in North Africa. A monument is inscribed with the names of 3,724 Americans whose remains were never found or identified.

Sanctuary Tophet: Rue Hannibal is located east of Carthage A frustratingly unlabelled, but large collection of what appear to be children’s’ grave stones. Many stones have simplistic symbols carved in to them.

Basilica of Saint-Cyprian Located north of Carthage, and rediscovered in 1915, it was oriented toward a spectacular ocean view which can still be enjoyed. The temple is thought to have been dedicated to the wellbeing of seafarers.