Amphitheatre of El Jem

The largest Roman amphitheatre in North Africa, remarkably well preserved.

It was built around the year 238 and is one of the best preserved Roman stone ruins in the world. It is unique in Africa, and its size and good condition make it one of the biggest amphitheatres anywhere. Its two main axes measure 148 and 122 metres, and it could hold around 35,000 spectators for shows and games.

How big is it?

The amphitheatre was built from stone blocks on flat ground. Its two main axes measure 148 metres and 122 metres, and it could probably hold about 35,000 people. It is the third amphitheatre that was built on the same spot.

Some say a local governor named Gordian had it built, but he reigned for only a few weeks as emperor, so historians think Gordian III, who was likely born in Thysdrus, was more likely behind it. The building was probably never fully finished.

What happened to it later?

In the Middle Ages it served as a fortress, and local people took shelter there during attacks, such as those of the Vandals in 430 and the Arabs in 647. In 1695 a breach was opened in one wall, and around 1850 it was widened to about 30 metres.

In the late 1800s the ruins were used for shops, homes and grain storage. Films such as Monty Python's Life of Brian were shot here, and so was a famous Nike advert in 1996.

On the globe

The model shows the oval ring of arches in the Tunisian plain; one side has a gap where the wall was broken.