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Local HistoryStyle & Travel

El Jem Archaeological Museum, Mahdia, Tunisia3 min read

By Contributing Editor March 25, 2021
Written by Contributing Editor March 25, 2021
El Jem Archaeological Museum

Article written by M. Dhahri.

El Jem Archaeological Museum, a 1km walk from the Amphitheatre of El Jem, illustrates a splendorous cultural heritage, including a collection of well-preserved Roman-era mosaics, sculpture, paintings, macabre, drunken Dionysus, Roman artifacts (terra-cotta pots, coins, and oil lamps), ceramics, all unearthed from the archaeological site that sprawls behind the Museum.

A roman mosaic depicting two lions devouring a boar, found in the ancient city of Thysdrus (in modern-day Tunisia). 2nd century AD, now on display at the El Jem archeological Museum.
A roman mosaic depicting two lions devouring a boar, found in the ancient city of Thysdrus (in modern-day Tunisia). 2nd century AD, now on display at the El Jem archeological Museum.

The sumptuous mosaic pavements, portraying a gory array of scenes of flora and fauna, as well as geometric patterns, showcase a high level of artistry and originally decorated the villas of El Jem’s wealthy Roman landowners.

Roman personification of the month of May making a sacrifice to Mercury. The figure might be dressed like a soldier, with a helmet and red-bordered tunica manicata. Panel from the calendar mosaic found at a villa near
Roman personification of the month of May making a sacrifice to Mercury. The figure might be dressed like a soldier, with a helmet and red-bordered tunica manicata. Panel from the calendar mosaic found at a villa near.

At the rear of the museum is the House of Africa, an AD 170 Roman villa from the heart of El Jem that was excavated in the 1990s and transferred for display. It takes its name from the two mosaic pictures figuring, within a central medallion, one goddess Africa, the other the province of Africa, the only known representations of the African continent.

Imperial cuirass (piece of armor) carved in white marble at the El Jem Museum.
Imperial cuirass (piece of armor) carved in white marble at the El Jem Museum.

Visiting El Jem Archaeological Museum

  • Address: El Jem downtown, Mahdia, Tunisia
  • Transport: Buses and/or Shared Taxis (Louage) from any city can take you there
  • Schedule: 8AM–5PM weekdays; 8AM-4PM weekend
  • Entrance Fee: 12 Tunisian Dinars

You May Also Be Interested In:

  • El Jem Amphitheatre — The Greatest Roman Colosseum in North Africa
  • Raqqada National Museum of Islamic Art in Kairouan, Tunisia
  • Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions of El-Kef
  • The Bardo National Museum in Tunis

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