THYSDRUS

modern Al-Jamm, or El-Djem ancient Roman city south of modern Susah in Tunisia. Although it was originally a native community influenced by Carthaginian civilization, Thysdrus probably received Julius Caesar's veterans as settlers in 45 BC and ultimately became a Roman colonia (settlement with full rights of citizenship). The wealth of its territory is shown by a vast amphitheatre built there, the largest Roman monument in Africa and second in impressiveness only to the Colosseum at Rome.