• About Us
  • Readers Write
  • Our People
Carthage Magazine
  • Home
  • News
  • Food & Drinks
    • Taste Tunisia
  • People
    • Interviews
    • No Sugarcoating
    • Environment
  • Style & Travel
    • Attractions
    • Trip Planning
      • Travel Information
      • Hotels in Tunisia
      • Cost of Living
      • Tunisia’s Language
      • Tunisia’s Weather
      • Tunisia’s Currency
      • Tunisia’s Visa
    • Transport in Tunisia
      • Traveling Around
      • Local Transport
      • Flights to Tunisia
      • Ferries to Tunisia
      • Tunisia Overland
    • Things to Do
      • Leisure
  • Local History
    • Museums
    • Monuments
    • Heritage Sites
    • Historical Figures
  • Education
  • Tech & Startups
  • Editors’ Picks
Editors' PicksLocal HistoryStyle & Travel

The Complete Guide of The Imperial Cities of Tunisia7 min read

By Editorial Staff May 31, 2021
Written by Editorial Staff May 31, 2021
Carthage Tunisia

The cities of Carthage, Utica, Sbeitla, Kairouan, Mahdia and Tunis are collectively known as the imperial cities, and have all, at some point in Tunisia’s history, been the capital; Tunis is the current holder. Each has played a pivotal role in the country’s history and they continue to offer much to travelers today. To give you a little more insight, here we’ve put together a guide to Tunisia’s imperial cities.

Imperial Cities of Tunisia

Whilst you have no doubt heard of Carthage and Tunis, you may be less familiar with Mahdia, Sbeitla, Utica and Kairouan. However, collectively known as the imperial cities, all six have at one time been the capital of Tunisia.

The oldest Imperial city of Tunisia is Carthage, first established as capital, it was founded in 814 BC by the Phoenicians, who established many settlements when expanding their trades and fleets throughout the entire Mediterranean sea. This city was totally destroyed by Romans afterwards the defaet of Carthage in the third Punic war (149–146).

At first the old city Utica, north of ruined Carthage, served as provincial capital; yet Carthage was rebuilt eventually. The rise of the city of Carthage from the ashes began under Julius Caesar (100F44 BC) and continued under Augustus (63 BC – 14 AD), notwithstanding reported ill omens. It became the new capital of Africa Province.

Under byzantines Sbeilta was the capital. Then afterwards the arrivals of Arabs, Kairouan became the capital. And the, under the Fatmid Dynsaty, Mahdia was the capital. Tunis started to be the capital with Hafside Dynsaty untill today.

Carthage

According to Roman sources, the Phoenicians founded Carthage in the 9th century B.C. under the auspices of Queen Elissa, mostly known by Ancient Greeks as Dido, an exiled princess who sought to escape the tyranny of her country, and became the first queen of the city.

From the 6th century onwards, it developed into a great trading empire covering much of the Mediterranean and was home to a very powerful civilization. Carthage has played a central role in Antiquity as a great commercial empire.

Carthage Tunisia
Beautiful view from Carthage Garden of Tunis Bay.

Suggested Read: Hannibal – Top Carthaginian Politician and General

Following three Punic wars, Carthage occupied territories belonging to Rome, which finally destroyed its rival in 146 B.C. A second – “Roman” – Carthage was then established on the ruins of the first.

Carthage is located on a hill dominating the Gulf of Tunis and the surrounding plain. Nowadays, the city contains many archeological sites recognized as an international heritage, part of the UNESCO heritage sites.

Suggested Read: The Battle of Cannae: Carthage Vs. Rome (216 B.C.E.)

Utica

Utica is the first Phoenician city in North Africa. The city was founded in the 11th century B.C., 300 years before Carthage. Situated near River of Medjerda, it soon became a thriving port and remained important – and a rival of Carthage – for more than a thousand years.

Utica is small in size compared to other Roman sites in Tunisia, but it is very atmospheric, with cypress trees and flowered surroundings.

Utica, Tunisia
Utica, Tunisia

Having defected to the Roman camp before the Third Punic War, Utica became the capital of the Roman province of Africa after the destruction of Carthage in 146 BC.

Sbeitla

Sbeitla is a city located in North-central Tunisia. The archaeological site of Sbeitla, known as the Roman ruins of Sufetula, has the most well-preserved Roman forum temples in Tunisia and possibly one of the best in the world.

This archaeological site of Sbeitla was excavated and restored between 1906 and 1921. The site itself is very large in size, but it has not yet been fully excavated.

Roman Baptismal Font from the 5th/6th century AD in Sbeitla, Tunisia.

The forum in Sbeitla is perhaps the most impressive part of the entire site. The three Capitoline temples were constructed as a dedication to the Roman gods, with each temple dedicated to its own god including Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva.

Other main sights include the Triumphal Arch of the Tetrarchy at the city entrance and the Gate of Antoninus located at the forum entrance.

Kairouan

Kairouan is a city that is located in the centre of Tunisia in a plain at an almost equal distance from the sea and the mountain.

The city is the most ancient Arabo-Muslim base of North Africa (670 AD) and one of its principal holy cities. It actually hosts the Great Mosque of Kairouan, which is Islam’s fourth most holiest site. The city served as the capital of Ifriqiya for five centuries, it was a place of outstanding diffusion of Arabo-Muslim civilization.

Kairouan
The Great Mosque of El Kairouan.

Kairouan bears unique witness to the first centuries of this civilisation and its architectural and urban development.

Mahdia

A hidden paradise in the Mediterranean, the city of Mahdia is located in the central-eastern coast of Tunisia, offering visitors a retreat from the bustle of the world. With mesmerising sun-kissed beaches, a magnificent sea line and a beautiful old section, the quiet fishing village is the perfect destination for those seeking serenity and calm.

Courtyard of the Grand Mosque in Mahdia.
Courtyard of the Grand Mosque in Mahdia.(Ministry of Tourism).

The city of Mahdia, some 200km south of the capital Tunis, is steeped in history. In 920, it was the capital of Fatimid-ruled Tunisia, from where the founder of the Fatimid Caliphate Abdullah al-Mahdi Billah ruled the Maghreb.

The legacy of the Fatimid era lives on and can be seen in the intricate Islamic architecture of the old town.

Tunis

Tunis is located in a fertile plain region of north-eastern Tunisia, and a few kilometres from the sea. The Medina of Tunis is the centre of the city, and it is one of the first Arabo-Muslim towns of North Africa (698 A.D.).

The city served as the capital of several universally influential dynasties, it represents a human settlement that bears witness to the interaction between architecture, urbanism and the effects of socio-cultural and economic changes of earlier cultures.

Tunis, Tunisia.
Tunis, Tunisia.

Under the Almohads and the Hafsids, from the 12th to the 16th century, Tunis was considered one of the greatest and wealthiest cities in the Islamic world. Tunis hosts some 700 monuments, including palaces, mosques, mausoleums, madrasas and fountains, testify to this remarkable past.

Nowadays, it is the capital of modern Tunisia.

Suggested Read: Madrasas in the Medina of Tunis: A Forgotten Emblem


If you would like to comment on this article or anything else you have seen on Carthage Magazine, leave a comment below or head over to our Facebook page.

And if you liked this article, sign up for the monthly features newsletter. A handpicked selection of stories from Carthage Magazine, delivered to your inbox.


Support Carthage Magazine
attractionsheritage
0 comment
5
FacebookTwitterEmail
Editorial Staff

Editorial staff account at Carthage Magazine, Tunisia's premier English lifestyle magazine with thousands of page-views per month and over 200,000 social media followers.

previous post
Tunisian-Style Stuffed Dates — Tunisia’s Healthiest Sweet Appetizer
next post
Tunisia’s Currency – Tunisian Dinar | TND, Notes, Coins, Exchange Rate

Related Articles

Tunisian Mloukhiya, Your Grandma’s Favorite Dish (& Likely...

April 2, 2025

Tunisia’s Favorite Pastry: Kaak Warka — A Taste...

March 26, 2025

The Best Authentic Tunisian Rice Dish — “Rouz...

March 26, 2025

10 Very Tunisian Proverbs to Live By

March 19, 2025

9 Things to Know about Ramadan in Tunisia

February 24, 2025

From Mosques to Synagogues: Tunis’ Top 5 Religious...

February 17, 2025

Tunisia Ranks as Africa’s 3rd Most Visited Country...

February 3, 2025

Olive Oil: Tunisia’s Gift to the World

January 21, 2025

Abou El-Kacem Chebbi: Tunisia’s Most Famous Poet

January 15, 2025

Tunisia Among National Geographic’s 25 Best Places to...

December 28, 2024

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Flavors of Tunisia

Taste-Tunisia-Tunisian-Cuisine-3

Want more top stories?

Carthage Magazine Newsletter

Sign up today and you’ll get our latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Just For You

  • 1

    El Jem Amphitheatre — The Greatest Roman Colosseum in North Africa

    January 19, 2024
  • 2

    Alcohol in Tunisia: What Visitors Need to Know

    August 2, 2021
  • 3

    Fruits From Tunisia: 15 Tunisian Fruits to Eat When Traveling

    August 20, 2023
  • 4

    The Great Mosque of Ez-Zitouna — Tunis’ Oldest & Most Significant Mosque

    June 2, 2023
  • 5

    Hannibal: The Last Hero of The Free World of Antiquity

    November 23, 2023

Latest

  • Tunisie Valeurs Named Best Broker for Tunisia in 2025

  • Tunisia Celebrates International Labor Day on May 1st

  • Former Tunisia President Fouad Mebazaa Dies at 91

  • April 9th, Tunisian Martyrs’ Day 🇹🇳

Sections

  • Editors' Picks
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Food & Drinks
  • Local History
  • News
  • No Sugarcoating
  • People
  • Quizzes
  • Style & Travel
  • Tech & Startups
  • Things to Do
  • Videos

E᙭ᑭᒪOᖇE

Carthage Magazine

We’re on a mission to create content that inspires people about experiences, places, products and people in Tunisia!

 

— About Us

— Adverstising

— Transparency

— Contact Us

Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube

ᗯᗩᑎT ᗰOᖇE TOᑭ ᔕTOᖇIEᔕ?

Carthage Magazine Newsletter

Sign up today and you’ll get our latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.

ᔕᑭᖇEᗩᗪ TᕼE ᗯOᖇᗪ

Spread the word

Our goal is to get these stories out in the public arena, and by doing this, keep promoting Tunisia and changing attitudes towards the MENA region.

 

— Ambassadors

— Readers Write

— What You Can Do to Help

EᗪITOᖇᔕ’ ᑭIᑕKᔕ

  • Tunisian Mloukhiya, Your Grandma’s Favorite Dish (& Likely Yours, Too!)

    April 2, 2025
  • Tunisia’s Favorite Pastry: Kaak Warka — A Taste of Heaven

    March 26, 2025
  • The Best Authentic Tunisian Rice Dish — “Rouz Jerbi”

    March 26, 2025

© 2019 - 2025 Carthage Magazine. Privacy Policy

Carthage Magazine
  • Home
  • News
  • Food & Drinks
    • Taste Tunisia
  • People
    • Interviews
    • No Sugarcoating
    • Environment
  • Style & Travel
    • Attractions
    • Trip Planning
      • Travel Information
      • Hotels in Tunisia
      • Cost of Living
      • Tunisia’s Language
      • Tunisia’s Weather
      • Tunisia’s Currency
      • Tunisia’s Visa
    • Transport in Tunisia
      • Traveling Around
      • Local Transport
      • Flights to Tunisia
      • Ferries to Tunisia
      • Tunisia Overland
    • Things to Do
      • Leisure
  • Local History
    • Museums
    • Monuments
    • Heritage Sites
    • Historical Figures
  • Education
  • Tech & Startups
  • Editors’ Picks
Carthage Magazine
  • Home
  • News
  • Food & Drinks
    • Taste Tunisia
  • People
    • Interviews
    • No Sugarcoating
    • Environment
  • Style & Travel
    • Attractions
    • Trip Planning
      • Travel Information
      • Hotels in Tunisia
      • Cost of Living
      • Tunisia’s Language
      • Tunisia’s Weather
      • Tunisia’s Currency
      • Tunisia’s Visa
    • Transport in Tunisia
      • Traveling Around
      • Local Transport
      • Flights to Tunisia
      • Ferries to Tunisia
      • Tunisia Overland
    • Things to Do
      • Leisure
  • Local History
    • Museums
    • Monuments
    • Heritage Sites
    • Historical Figures
  • Education
  • Tech & Startups
  • Editors’ Picks
© 2019 - 2025 Carthage Magazine. Privacy Policy

Read alsox

The Great Mosque of Kairouan — Islam’s...

April 26, 2021

Getting Back to Nature: 10 of the...

September 20, 2023

Assidat Zgougou — Tunisia’s Sweetness in a...

December 16, 2020