Utica

Traditionally counted as the first Phoenician colony in North Africa, Utica once stood on the coast, until the silt of the Medjerda river cut it off from the sea. After the fall of Carthage in 146 BC, Rome made it the capital of its new province of Africa. Today a low hill of excavated Roman villas with floor mosaics, and a Punic necropolis, lie in open farmland about 30 km from both Tunis and Bizerte.

History

Ancient writers dated its founding to about 1100 BC, but archaeology points to the 8th century BC at the earliest. It stayed semi-autonomous until about 540 BC, came under Carthaginian control, became a Roman municipium in 36 BC and a colony under Septimius Severus.

Customs

There is almost no shade on the site: bring water and a hat. Easy to combine with Ghar El Melh or Bizerte.

Food

Eat grilled fish in nearby Bizerte or Ghar El Melh.

Best time

March to May and October to November.

The sea no longer reaches Utica: the silt of the Medjerda pushed the coast away, and that is why the city was eventually abandoned.