The African Coliseum: El Jem Amphitheater

Location

• City: El Jem
• Region: Southeastern Tunisia

Historical Context

• Era: Thrived under Roman rule, 3rd Century AD
• Economic Basis: Fertile land, olive oil production

Structure and Design

• Original Size: 400m circumference
• Capacity: Held 35,000 people
• Central Arena: 65m diameter
• Comparison: Comparable in size and design to Roman Coliseums
• Stage Props: Use of elaborate props akin to those in Rome

Features

• Underground Rooms: Used for holding animals, slaves, Gladiators
• Animal and Gladiator Entrances: Raised onto the arena
• Corpse Storage: Rooms allocated for beasts and fighters

Cultural Significance

• Local Ambition: Built to rival the Roman Coliseum
• Revolutionary Symbol: Used as a fortress post-Roman Empire

Historical Damage

• 17th Century: Ottoman Empire attacked, destroying western side
• Current State: Only the south-facing wall remains intact

Symbolism

• Representation: Symbol of the Roman Empire's reach into Africa