Tunisia-Video: The ministry of culture unveils stages to restore Amphitheatre of El Jem

Last year the United States ‘s Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation granted Tunisia $425.000 for the restoration and renovations of Amphitheatre of El Jem.
The project is aimed to improve the Amphitheatre capacity and change its state. The site is listed by UNESCO since 1979 as a world heritage site.Historial and natural elements have caused serious damage to the landmark. The ambitious project will be supervised by the National Heritage Institute (INP).

Introduction of the monument background :

The Amphitheatre of El Jem bears outstanding witness to Roman architecture, notably monuments built for spectator events, in Africa. Located in a plain in the centre of Tunisia, this amphitheatre is built entirely of stone blocks, with no foundations and free-standing.Its size (big axis of 148 metres and small axis 122 metres) and its capacity (judged to be 35,000 spectators) make it without a doubt among the largest amphitheatres in the world. Its facade comprises three levels of arcades of Corinthian or composite style. Inside, the monument has conserved most of the supporting infrastructure for the tiered seating. The wall of the podium, the arena and the underground passages are practically intact. This architectural and artistic creation built around 238 AD, constitutes an important milestone in the comprehension of the history of Roman Africa. The Amphitheatre of El Jem also bears witness to the prosperity of the small city of Thysdrus (current El Jem) at the time of the Roman Empire.

Stages of the monument restoration and renovations 

• The restoration, rehabilitation and renovation of the hydraulic network to protect the base of the colosseum.
• The renovation of the underground galleries and the flooring under the arena.
• Th repair and the consolidation of the vaults and arcades
• Cleaning of the joint and replacement of the damaged stone blocks
• Restoration and rehabilitation of the stairs leading to upper floors
• Renovation of the entire arena floor
• Installation of ramps and an elevator to facilitate access to people with disabilities
• Restoration of the different facade of the monument
• Each step will include an archaeological excavation and scientific studies
• Professional training for students of archaeology, historical preservation-related fields