Urban flora of Sousse (Tunisia)

Abstract

Sousse is situated in North Africa on the southern shore of the Gulf of Hammamet. The town was founded in the 9 th century by the Phoenicians as Hadrumet. Hannibal used Hadrumet as a military basis at the end of the Second Punic War (218-201 BC), which was lost by him. Later on – during the Third Punic War – the city changed over to the Romans and avoided therefore demolition. The city gets the new name Hadrumetum, became a part of the Roman Empire and gained the status of a free city. Under the rule of Emperor Trajan it became an important commerce centre: The number of inhabitants rised to about 40.000; the port got great importance for the exportation of olive oil. Due to the devastations of the following periods there are no Roman ruins to be seen. The archaeological museum exhibits nice Roman mosaics, and also Christian catacombs in the outskirts. In the 5 th century the city suffered destruction by the Vandals and got the name Hunerikopolis. The name changed to Justinianopolis when the Byzantines took over control. The city became one of the most important Byzantine bases in North Africa.