The archaeological site of Kerkouane
It is one of the most valuable archaeological sites in Tunisia, because the only one, until today, whose foundation dates back to the Punic era - perhaps in the 6th century BC. J-C. - and that the Romans did not rebuild after the annexation of Africa to the Roman Empire, leaving us an urban space, that of a small city that has not yet been identified, typically Punic.
Apparently abandoned after its destruction by the Roman consul Mr. Atilus Regulus in 256 BC. J.C before being rediscovered at the beginning of the 50s of the last century, the city had been, so to speak, leveled. But the vestiges offer today the plan of a typical Punic city, with the very clear layout of houses equipped with all the conveniences (baths and ovens included), decorated with pavements of primitive mosaics of which one appearing the punic goddess Tanit.
A coastal city, Kerkouane has been given a port of which some sections still remain; it was to engage in trade with other Mediterranean ports to which it exported agricultural products but also craft, like fabrics dyed purple, facilities for the manufacture of this substance having been discovered near the coast, same as the shops of a shopping district. A museum gathering some objects discovered on the site, was erected at the entrance.
