• Fathi Bouzayan, 53, sits on his camel that usually gives rides to tourists outside El Jem amphitheatre, in the city of El Djem, Tunisia. Reuters
    Fathi Bouzayan, 53, sits on his camel that usually gives rides to tourists outside El Jem amphitheatre, in the city of El Djem, Tunisia. Reuters
  • Built around 238, with a large axis of 148 metres and small axis 122 metres and an estimated capacity of 35,000, the Unesco World Heritage Site is among the largest amphitheatres in the world. Reuters
    Built around 238, with a large axis of 148 metres and small axis 122 metres and an estimated capacity of 35,000, the Unesco World Heritage Site is among the largest amphitheatres in the world. Reuters
  • A camel owned by Fathi Bouzayan that usually gives rides to tourists, sits outside El Jem's amphitheatre. Tourist numbers have been hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Reuters
    A camel owned by Fathi Bouzayan that usually gives rides to tourists, sits outside El Jem's amphitheatre. Tourist numbers have been hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Reuters
  • El Jem amphitheatre is built entirely of stone blocks, with no foundations, and is free-standing. Build on flat ground, rather than against a hillside, it is supported by a complex system of arches. Reuters
    El Jem amphitheatre is built entirely of stone blocks, with no foundations, and is free-standing. Build on flat ground, rather than against a hillside, it is supported by a complex system of arches. Reuters
  • Unesco considers El Jem 'one of the most accomplished examples of Roman architecture of an amphitheatre, almost equal to that of the Coliseum of Rome'. Reuters
    Unesco considers El Jem 'one of the most accomplished examples of Roman architecture of an amphitheatre, almost equal to that of the Coliseum of Rome'. Reuters
  • However, despite this, tourist numbers to view the attraction remain low, due to Covid-19. Reuters
    However, despite this, tourist numbers to view the attraction remain low, due to Covid-19. Reuters
  • But some visitors are returning to El Jem, including Bulgarian tourists Tatiana Vasileva and her friend. Reuters
    But some visitors are returning to El Jem, including Bulgarian tourists Tatiana Vasileva and her friend. Reuters

MENA

Unesco World Heritage Site El Jem's amphitheatre - in pictures

The ancient complex in Tunisia is one of the world's best-preserved Roman stone ruins

The National

May 29, 2021

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