- The El Djem Roman Amphitheatre is located in the town of El Djem in Tunisia, which was in the Roman Province of Africa Proconsularis. It has been a World Heritage Site since 1979.
- It was the second largest Amphitheatre in the Roman Empire with a capacity of 35,000 spectators. It was exceeded only by the Colosseum with a capacity of 50-60,000 spectators.
History
- El Djem was the Roman city of Thysdrus, the second most important city in North Africa, after Carthage.
- It is thought to have been constructed by the Gordian I, Governor of Africa Proconsularis and completed in 238 CE.
- In 238 CE, Gordian I was declared Emperor by the population in a revolt against Taxes, but was then forced to commit suicide when the Legio III Augusta overthrew the Rebellion and razed Thysdrus to the ground.
Use as a Film Location
- The Amphitheatre was used in the filming of Monty Python’s ‘Life of Brian’ (1979) and ‘Gladiator’ (2000) with Russell Crowe.
Museums
- There is a Museum adjacent to the Amphitheatre, and entry is included in the Amphitheatre ticket.
Roman Roads
- The North African Roman Road was a 2,100 mile coastal road, running from the Atlantic to the Nile, which was completed under Claudius.
El Djem Roman Amphitheatre