Oudna (Uthina)

Oudna, the Roman Uthina, lies about 30 km south of Tunis on the road to Zaghouan. Founded as a colony for veterans of the Thirteenth Legion under Augustus, it kept an amphitheatre that held around 15,000 spectators, the columns of its Capitol, large cisterns and the villa of the Laberii with its mosaics. It is quiet, rarely crowded, and easy to combine with Zaghouan.

History

The city was sacked by soldiers in AD 238. Excavations began in the 19th century, resumed in 1993, and the site opened to visitors in 1999.

Customs

Wear sturdy shoes: paths cross open ground with little shade.

Food

Bring water, and have lunch in Zaghouan.

Best time

March to May and October to November.

The amphitheatre, about 110 m by 90 m, is partly cut into a hill and has an underground vaulted gallery beneath its arena.