JUGURTHA TABLE

This spectacular flat-topped mountain (1271m), or mesa, rises almost vertically from the surrounding plains 98km north­west of Kasserine. Its sheer, impregnable walls make it a superb natural fortress and, indeed, the mountain bears the name of the ruthless Numidian king Jugurtha (p27), who used it as a base during his seven-year campaign against the Romans (112-105 Be). Known as the Plateau de Jugurtha on some road signs, Jugurtha's Table can be seen from the Le Kef-Kasserine highway, between Tajerouine and Kalaat Khasba, on the far western horizon. The only access to the summit is via a twisting set of steps hewn into the escarp­ment; the small gate at the base was added by the Byzantines. The reward for those who climb to the top is a spectacular view over the surrounding countrys...Read More