Maktar

Maktar (Arabic: مكتر‎‎, Latin: Mactaris), or Makthar, is a town and Roman site in Siliana Governorate, Tunisia, located at . It is 140 km (90 mi) southwest of Tunis and 60 km (40 mi) southeast of El Kef. The population in 2004 was 12,942.

The ancient town was founded by the Numidians as a defense post against the Carthaginians; it was settled by Punics after the destruction of Carthage by the Romans in 146 BC. Under Roman and Byzantine control, it served as a defense against the Berbers. In 46 BC, it obtained status as a free city and by 146 AD was established as a Roman colony, during which the town saw its greatest development. It was eventually destroyed by the Banu Hillal tribe in the 10th century.

The modern town, lying on a plateau at 900 m (3,000 ft) above sea level, sits on the other side of a ravine from the Roman remains and is known for its scenic views. The town has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers and occasional snowfall during the months of January and February.

External links

• Lexicorient
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