TUNISIA: The Roman Coliseum in El Jem

The Roman amphitheatre of El Jem is one of Tunisia's treasures. 

It was built around 238 AD and is one of the best preserved Roman stone ruins in the world. 

Like other amphitheatres in the Roman Empire, it was built for spectator events.

The colosseum is rivalled only by the one in Rome.  

The massive Roman Amphitheatre had a capacity of 30,000 spectators over its 3 stories.

Though smaller than the Colosseum in Rome, it is impressive due to its excellent state of preservation. 

It is unique in Africa and is built entirely of stone blocks, with no foundations and it is free-standing. 

The current amphitheatre of El Jem is the third amphitheatre built on the same place. 

Wild beast fights, gladiatorial combats, circuses and games were held here.

In the basement you can still see the chambers where scenery, gladiators, prisoners and wild animals were kept. Wild animals were hoisted by a sophisticated system of elevators and pulleys into the arena.

In the Middle Ages, it served as a fortress and the population sought shelter here during the attacks of Vandals in 430 and Arabs in 647.

It is believed that the amphitheatre was used as a saltpetre manufacture in the end of the 18th and in the 19th century. In the second half of the 19th century, the structure was used for shops, dwellings, and grain storage.

In modern history, it was featured in films such as "Monty Python's Life of Brian" and the television series Long Way Down.

American sportswear company Nike used this location in 1996 to shoot a television commercial titled "Good vs Evil", which depicts a gladiatorial-style soccer game set in a Roman amphitheatre.

The fourth episode of The Amazing Race 1 concluded at the amphitheatre.

Some parts of the film The Gladiator, with Russell Crowe were filmed here. 

Today camels sit out front waiting for photos with tourists. 

I am not sure how, but suddenly a shopkeeper appeared out of nowhere and convinced me to get on the camel and hand him my phone so he could take pictures of me. 

It might look exotic sitting on a camel, BUT, there is probably a reason they wear mouth protectors. 

NOTE TO SELF: There is no need to let people talk you into getting on a camel again.