Tourism is one of the major pillars of the Tunisian economy. It generates more than 2 billion dollars in revenues and employs directly or indirectly some 400,000 people. There are several tourist attractions in Tunisia such as the site of the ancient Carthage, the amphitheatre of el Jem, one of the best- kept and largest Roman amphitheatres and Jerba, the island of the lotus eaters where Ulysses is said to have halted. Carthage “Carthage” (Quart hadacht) meaning “a new city” is located on the eastern side of the Lake of Tunis across from the centre of Tunis. Ancient Carthage is one of the most famous historical sites in the world and remains home to some of the most interesting ruins of ancient times. According to Roman legend, the city of Carthage was founded in 814 BC by Phoenician colonists from Tyre under the leadership of Elissa (Queen Dido). It became a rich city and powerful city gradually extending its influence throughout the Mediterranean. Because of its strategic geographical position on the Bay of Tunis, Carthage's prosperity and power ignited the envy and ire of the Romans who destroyed it in the Third Punic War (149-146 B.C.). However, the Romans re-founded Carthage 100 years later, which became one of the three most important cities of the Empire and the capital of the short-lived Vandal kingdom. It remained one of the most important Roman cities until the Muslim conquest in CE 698. El Jem amphitheatre The amphitheatre of El Jem, built in the late second century AD and situated 210 km south of Tunis, is seen as the largest building in Roman Africa. Built of red limestone, it was the third biggest amphitheatre in the Roman world and would have seated 30.000 spectators. El Jem amphitheatre measures 149 meters long, 124 meters wide and 36 meters high and consisted of 3 storeys. The basement area of the arena was discovered in 1904. It remains remarkably intact and gives a clear picture of how the arena would have functioned. Consisting of an area 65 meters long, it was divided into two vaulted galleries which contained cells and rooms for housing the wild beasts and gladiators who took part in the games. Djerba Being the largest island of North Africa with a population of around 60.000, Djerba is located in the Gulf of Gabes, off the southern coast of Tunisia. The island is a popular tourist destination, widely known for its beautiful beaches and dramatic sunsets. It is one of the few remaining places in Tunisia where Berber language is still spoken. It is known for its Jewish minority, which has dwelt on the island for more than 2500 years and built their famous synagogue of El Ghriba. The synagogue is situated in the Jewish village of Hara Sghira, several kilometers southwest of Houmt Souk. It currently houses the world's oldest Torah. It is the destination of an annual pilgrimage of many Tunisian Jews for the holiday of Lag BaOmar, which takes place after the celebration of Passover. Djerba also has a sizeable minority of Greek Orthodox, who established themselves on the island as sponge-fishers. On the other hand, Djerba is known for its architecture, made up of square whitewashed houses all over the island. The whole island is like a little world of its own. The topography of Djerba is simple, and each village, will tell you its own story. Djerba is smooth, sometimes startling, and just as charming as enthusiastic Tunisians tell you it is. In 2008 the American travel guide “Trip Advisor” ranked the island of Djerba as number one tourist hot spot in the world.
