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Amphitheatre of El Jem
WHERE : EL JEM , TUNISIA image : GETTY
In northeast Tunisia , in the former Carthaginian outpost of Thysdrus , sits the Amphitheatre of El Jem — not only the biggest Roman theatre in Africa , but , with a circumference of 1,400 feet and space for more than 35,000 spectators , one of the largest found anywhere within the Roman Empire . Employing the same construction techniques used to create the Colosseum in Rome , El Jem was built some 150 years later — around 238 CE — at a time when strategically located Thysdrus prospered from the production and trade of olive oil .
The free-standing , elliptical amphitheatre sits on flat ground and doesn ’ t have any foundation . Instead , it uses a complex system of Corinthian arches interspersed with sculptures of Greco-Roman deities to support its stacked stone frame . It ’ s certainly stood the test of time : two-thirds of the walls — including three levels of arcades representing 68 out of an original 90 arches , plus the arena itself — are still standing . In the shadowy depths of the hypogeum — underground cells for holding animals and gladiators alike — visitors can get an insight into the sort of entertainment spectators were once treated to . Today , the theatre is the venue for the annual and altogether more genteel El Jem International Symphonic Music Festival , in addition to hosting guided tours throughout the year . spring 2025 • 9