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Biggest Byzantine fortress
Near Teboursok not far from Dougga Ain Tounga is often said to have to be finest Byzantine fortress in
Tunisia. The fortress was built in the 6th century, and has 5 square
towers. One stands at almost its original height. Although
little has been done in terms of restoration, the walls still stand
high and one tower still stands to its original height. On
the other side of this, the wall is complete in its full length between
two towers.
Behind the fortress lies the Roman ruins of
Thignica which is definitely worth a visit, having an interesting
market, an amphitheatre, a theatre and baths looking almost like a
church.
Amphitheatre
Make sure to see the amphitheatre when you visit Ain
Tounga, it is unmentioned in all travel guides, and lies a few hundred
metres to the west of the rest of the ancient city. The
structure isn't really impressive, but quite attractive. It appears
that the outer walls are partially original, suggesting that the original walls may
have stood further out. If not, the amphitheatre must have been among
the ones with least seats compared to the ground area.
There
is nothing to see of seats, nor underground chambers. But the three
entrances are fairly well-preserved, so are some of the gates leading
into the ground or the the area beneath the tribune.
Smashed theatre
Ain Tounga has what must be considered as one of the most destroyed
theatres in Tunisia. The only part in good condition is the outer
walls, which intrigues by being crudely made but having survived almost
two milennias. Seats are almost all gone, and the scene contains only bits and pieces of the original columns.
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