ZAGHWAN

also spelled Zaghouan, town, northeastern Tunisia. It lies on the fertile, northern slope of Mount Zaghwan at an elevation of 4,247 feet (1,295 m). It is built on the ancient Roman site of Zigus. Parts of a Roman aqueduct and canal network built in the 2nd century BC under the emperor Hadrian are still used to bring water from Zaghwan to Tunis. The importance of Zaghwan water is reflected in the location there of a Roman temple of water, as well as a local proverb: He who drinks from Zaghwan water will return to Tunisia. Other points of interest are the mausoleum of the marabout (holy man) Sidi 'Ali Azuz, which has green tiles on its domes and its interior. Zaghwan is about 50 miles (80 km) south of Tunis. The town was the scene of bitter fighting during World War II when the Germans retreated toward Tunis. The Dorsale Mountains lie to the southwest of Zaghwan. The fertile soil and ample water sources of the area in which the town is situated have made the region an agricultural greenbelt. The chief crops are grapes, olives, and vegetables. Local industries in the region include food processing and textile manufacturing. Pop. (1989 est.) town, 12,161.