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(clockwise from top left: Grauer's gorilla (Kahuzi-Biega); Rock-hewn church (Lalibela); Hominid skull (Ethiopia); Protea flower (Cape Floral Region)

Amphitheatre of El Jem - Tunisia

Map showing the location of the Amphitheatre of El Jem world heritage site, at the frontier of the Roman Empire in Tunisia (north Africa)

Website Category: Frontiers of the Roman Empire

Area: 0.3km²

Inscribed: 1979

Criteria: (iv) icon of an era (vi) association with belief system

Location and Values: The Amphitheatre of El Jem is located in the small town of El Jem in central Tunisia, about 60 km south of Sousse. It is undoubtedly the most impressive Roman monument in Africa, its massive bulk visible for kilometres around, dwarfing the tiny houses of the town around its base. It has a seating capacity of around 30,000 people, stands 30m high, with a diameter of well over 100 metres, almost as large as the Colosseum in Rome. It is thought to date from around 230 AD, and was built by a local proconsul, Gordian. The amphitheatre has been extensively renovated and it is possible to climb to the top of the third tier of seating, and explore the corridors and rooms under the arches and floors.

Slideshow of the Amphitheatre Of El Jem: The slideshow provides a thorough ‘photo essay’ of the site, including views of the amphitheatre from outside, and behind-the-scenes photos of the rooms and spaces behind the arches and underneath the main arena, where the animals, prisoners and gladiators were kept before their hour of reckoning.

Slideshow of the Amphitheatre Of El Jem:

Google Earth View: To view satellite imagery of the amphitheatre of El Jem on Google Earth, click here. This opens a new window, so when you are finished, just close the Google Earth page and you will be straight back here to continue browsing.

Links to other places featuring the frontiers of the Roman Empire: Djemila I Timgad I Tipaza I Cyrene I Leptis Magna I Sabratha I Carthage I Dougga I Volubilis

Other Links: Official UNESCO Site Details

Exterior view of the magnificent Amphitheatre of El Jem, a UNESCO world heritage site, at the frontier of the Roman Empire in Tunisia (north Africa) Colonnaded interior of the magnificent Amphitheatre of El Jem, a UNESCO world heritage site, at the frontier of the Roman Empire near Sousse in Tunisia (north Africa) Seating area of the magnificent Amphitheatre of El Jem, a UNESCO world heritage site, at the frontier of the Roman Empire near Sousse in Tunisia (north Africa) Interior view of the magnificent Amphitheatre of El Jem, a UNESCO world heritage site, at the frontier of the Roman Empire near Sousse in Tunisia (north Africa)