History of Sbeitla

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Roman Sufetula , established at the begin­ning of the 1st century AD on the site of a Numidian settlement , seems to have followed an evolutionary path similar to that of other Roman towns in the region , such as Ammredara (Haidra) and Mactaris (Makthar) .

The surrounding countryside proved ideal for olive growing (it still is) and Suf­etula quickly waxed wealthy , building its finest temples in the 2nd century , when the town - like all of Roman Tunisia - was at the height of its prosperity . Fortuitously , its olive groves ensured that Sufetula con­tinued to prosper long after other Roman towns slipped into decline , helping it to become an important Christian centre in the 4th century .

The Byzantines made Sufetula their re­gional capital , transforming it into a mili­tary stronghold from where they could tackle the area's rebellious local tribes . was here in AD 647 that Prefect GregO! declared himself independent of Constar tinople . However , his moment of glor lasted only a few months before he w , killed by the Arabs , who simultaneous] destroyed much of Sufetula . The Arab vh tory is celebrated with the Festival of t~ Seven Abdullahs , held in the last week of July .