https://nz.trip.com/moments/detail/el-jem-21899-119952829?locale=en-NZ
Ch@0t1c_Wh1rlw1ndUnited States

The only ancient Roman amphitheater that can be visited underground

On March 22, 238 AD, the governor of the Roman Empire's African province (Africa, roughly in today's northern Tunisia and western Libya's Mediterranean coastal area) declared himself emperor in the newly built El Jem Amphitheater, known as Gordian I. Gordian I, who had served as the commander of the Syrian region, the governor of the British province, and the Roman city official, was famous and wealthy, and loved to watch beast performances. After being arranged by Emperor Alexander Severus to go to North Africa, Gordian I built the El Jem Amphitheater in imitation of the Roman Amphitheater. The city of Jem (then called Thysdrus) where the amphitheater is located is the second largest city after Carthage. The El Jem Amphitheater is the only ancient Roman amphitheater in the world that can be visited underground. The corridors on both sides of the underground palace are compartments for imprisoning slaves and beasts. Here, the rights of beasts are greater than human rights, 10 people are squeezed into a compartment, and beasts can enjoy single rooms. Like the Roman Amphitheater, the underground palace here is equipped with a winch-type lifting device that can send gladiators and beasts to the ground arena; the sewer system is responsible for discharging the dirty water that washes the corpses out of the field.
View Original Text
*Created by local travelers and translated by AI.
Posted: Jan 1, 2024
ScarlettShen
1 person liked this
Submit
1
Mentioned in This Moment
Attraction

Amphitheater of El Jem

4.7/543 reviews | Theater
El Jem
No.3 of Best Things to Do in Tunisia
View
Show More
Related Moments
Amphitheater of El Jem

Beautiful Tunisia, visa-free travel to the paradise of North Africa!

Hayes_Jack_78
Amphitheater of El Jem

Tunisia.

CaiusSOUL
Amphitheater of El Jem

Tunisia! The last treasure of North Africa!

Blissful Liam~Simmons71
Amphitheater of El Jem

El Jem's Ancient Grandeur! 🏛️🔥

Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog)
Amphitheater of El Jem

Discover the Wonders of Tunisia 🇹🇳

Anastasiia Mossur
Amphitheater of El Jem

Beat the Heat at El Jem! 🌞🏛️

Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog)
Amphitheater of El Jem

Explore the 3rd largest amphitheater in the World 🏛️

Anastasiia Mossur
Amphitheater of El Jem

El Jem Tunisian Amphitheater

Lily lain
Amphitheater of El Jem

The Three Great Amphitheaters of the World - El Jem Amphitheater in Tunisia

QUINCY HAYES
Amphitheater of El Jem

The Amphitheater of El Jem.

요타 토토이크
Amphitheater of El Jem

El Jem Amphitheatre in Tunisia

cassandra_nightingale_96
Amphitheater of El Jem

Amazing El Jem Tunisia

felix_Sleepy