Chemtou, Archaeological site in northwestern Tunisia
Chemtou is an ancient archaeological site in northwestern Tunisia with temples, baths, an aqueduct, and extensive marble quarries from antiquity. The complex spreads across multiple areas that reveal how intensively the location was developed and used.
The site was founded in the 4th century BC as a Numidian settlement and developed into Colonia Iulia Augusta Numidica Simitthus under Roman rule. The Romans recognized its marble-extraction potential and transformed it into an economic hub.
This location served as a major marble extraction and trade center under Roman control. The ruins reveal how deeply this valuable stone shaped the daily economy and activities of the ancient settlement.
Visitors should bring sturdy shoes and sun protection, as the site is spread out with limited shade. It is wise to arrive early in the day to avoid intense heat and explore the ruins with better visibility.
Along the Medjerda River, visitors can still see traces of an ancient system that harnessed water power for mechanical purposes. This early example demonstrates that grain milling techniques were mechanized centuries before becoming common elsewhere.
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