El Jem is home to some of the most impressive Roman remains in Africa.The city was built, like almost all Roman settlements in Tunisia, on former Punic settlements. It prospered in the 2nd century, when it became an important centre of olive oil manufacturing for export. El Jem is famous for its amphitheatre (often incorrectly called ‘a coliseum’), capable of seating 35,000 spectators. The amphitheatre at El Jem was built by the Romans under proconsul Gordian around 238 and was probably mainly used for gladiator shows and chariot races. The ruins of the amphitheatre were declared a World Heritage Site in 1979.