El Jem Archaeological Museum
متحف الجم
Displays fine mosaics excavated from the ancient city of Thysdrus, and recreates a Roman rich man's villa, the House of Africa.
The El Jem Archaeological Museum lies about 1 km south of the El Jem Amphitheatre and is designed in the style of a Roman villa. Its galleries hold a large number of mosaics excavated from the ancient city of Thysdrus, including scenes of the Dionysian procession, owls and birds, and the seasons and animals. The colours are vivid and the pieces are well preserved. Behind the museum lie the in-situ remains of a Roman residential district and the reconstructed House of Africa, a villa rebuilt to its original form, which gives a vivid sense of how wealthy residents lived. Entry to the museum is included with the amphitheatre ticket, subject to confirmation on site. It is about a 15-minute walk.
Opening hours
approx. 08:00–17:00 (extended in summer; check on site)
Nearby sights
- Amphitheatre of El Jem
- Mahdia Old Town
- Borj El Kebir & Cap Afrique
- Ribat of Monastir
- Bourguiba Mausoleum
- Catacombs of Sousse
- Sousse Archaeological Museum
- Great Mosque of Sousse