TUNISIA: Ancient Ruins of Bulla Regia, Dougga, Kairouan, Sufeitual

Tunisia is a small country with natural beauty and a unique history combined with many well preserved cultural sites. 

The country is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, seven of which are cultural attractions.

Many of these sites are incredibly well preserved and offer a glimpse into what daily life might have been like hundreds or even thousands of years ago in North Africa.

We did a counter clockwise route of the country, starting north and west from Tunis to visit many of the ancient cultural sites. 

BULLA REGIA

Bulla Regia, in the northwest of Tunisia, became part of the Roman Empire in the first century AD. The region prospered by providing agricultural products such as wheat, grains, grapes, and olives to the rest of the Empire.

It is famous for its unique subterranean villas that were used to escape the summer heat.

Above and below ground, the most luxurious houses had patios, columns, mosaics and carved capitals. 

The other thing that makes this site unique is the quality of the mosaics still found in the homes. 

These are all found on the floor, basically serving the same decorative purpose as our area rugs in today's home.

 

DOUGGA

Dougga, also in northwest Tunisia, is unique because it is the best-preserved Roman city. Because of this, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

A bit of ancient history for your background - before the annexation of Numidia by Rome, Dougga already had more than six centuries of history and was, in all likelihood, the first capital of the Numidian kingdom. So we are talking about 2,600 years ago! 

The site is perched on the top of a hill and overlooks North Africa's most fertile valley. Dougga was once known as the breadbasket of the Roman Empire. 

It is the best preserved Roman small town in the North African region and that is most likely because of its remote location. 

The city's ruins show the interplay of architectural cultures - Numidian, Punic, Hellenestic and Roman. Look closely and compare the different arches.  

The monumental Capitolium temple stands in the city's Forum, with a fantastic panoramic view over the green rolling hills and plains below. 

The theatres, gymnasia, baths, shops, stone paved streets and lavish villas are all testimony to the golden age of this North African city during the Roman era.

Dougga offers a glimpse into what life was like in the country-side during Roman times. 

And speaking of daily life.... just a quick mention and photo of the public latrines below. Note the multiple spots which would have had marble seats. We were told that the wealthy would send their slaves in advance to warm up the seats before using them. (Maybe TMI?)

KAIROUAN

The Holy City of Kairouan is in the centre of Tunisia and is not only the spiritual centre of the country, but it is also the first Islamic city to be established in North Africa. It is also the 4th oldest Muslim city outside of Arabia. 

Founded as the capital of the region in 670 AD, Kairouan soon acquired magnificent ramparts, mosques, palaces and hammams. The Great Mosque of Kairouan is the oldest, largest and most important mosque in Tunisia. 

From 661 to 680, it became the centre for Sunni Islamic scholarship and Quranic learning. 

Hence, this brought in a lot of Muslims travellers from various parts of the world, making it the third destination, next only to Mecca and Medina, for pilgrims of the Muslim faith.

There are hundreds of columns and they all differ from one another, in marble types, size, shape and capital designs. This is because most were taken from ancient Roman sites and reused in the mosque's construction. 

Our guide was very excited for us when we went into the Mausoleum of Sidi Sahab, also known as the Mosque of the Barber. 

This is because while we were there, there was an ongoing ceremony and she was happy we could witness the festivities. 

I hesitate to say much about it, but, from a welcoming perspective I will mention it. 

We were told that when Muslim boys are about 6 or 7 they are circumcised, which is followed by a celebration. This family was gathered for that reason. 

We happened to come upon them as the young boy came out from the ritual to join his family. It is very clear this was not easy for him, despite his family’s festivities. 

I mention this experience only because despite us obviously being foreigners they kindly welcomed us into their family celebrations and shared their drink and food with us.

SUFEITULA

Modern Sbeitla was a spectacular Roman city by the former name of Sufeitula.

Sufeitula, like other North African cities, prospered in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.

The inhabitants of Sufeitula became extremely wealthy from the trade of olives and olive oil. This is one of many olive oil presses in the ruins. 

The Roman civic centre is incredibly well preserved. It is unusual to have three monumental temples. One is dedicated to Juno, another Jupiter and another to Minerva, that all tower over the Forum. 

Also at the site are Christian basilicas with their elaborate baptisteries covered in colourful mosaics.

As much as the ancient history fascinates me, Tunisia is not just all about ancient ruins. On a more modern note, the people are warm and friendly. This elderly gentleman was a talkative character with a shop and he told us he was 80 years old, has a son that studied in Canada, and various other assorted banter. 

Before I knew it, this hat suddenly appeared on my head. 

I think he has a PhD in salesmanship.