Sanctuary of Tophet

The ruins of a large number of children's graves dating back to Carthage's Punic period can be found in Tunisia's Sanctuary of Tophet. Historians disagree on whether the Carthaginians practiced child sacrifice during times of great famine, and if so, how many of the tombs at Tophet are those of sacrificed children.

The Tophet of Salammbo dates from Queen Alyssa or Dido's establishment of the city in the 19th century BC until the Roman Republic destroyed it in the Third Punic War in 146 BC. Carthage was the capital of the Punic civilization, which had grown from a Phoenician colony to a Punic empire. The name 'tophet' derives from the Hebrew Bible and refers to a 'burning area.'

Today, this haunting location, which covers about an acre of land near Tunis's Punic Port, may be found. Under the shade of palm trees, you can walk among the stelae, viewing the inscriptions and sculptures of the ancient grave markers while escaping Tunisia's hot summer temperatures. This is one of the most beautiful historical sites in Tunisia.

Location: Gehenna