History about Djerba
Djerba, the largest island in North Africa, can look back on a rich and fascinating history. The island was already known in ancient times, including its mention in Homer's ‘Odyssey’ as the home of the Lotophagi. Later, Djerba became an important base for Phoenician traders before the island became part of the Carthaginian Empire. During Roman rule, the island flourished through trade and agriculture. Subsequently, Djerba was influenced by Berber, Arab, Ottoman and European cultures, all of which have left their mark. The well-preserved old town of Houmt Souk is particularly noteworthy, with its winding alleyways and traditional buildings reminiscent of bygone eras. The history of Djerba is a living testimony to the cultural diversity and strategic importance of this unique Mediterranean island.
From then to now
The Punic period
12th century BC:Phoenicians colonise Tunisia
814 BC:Foundation of Carthage
5th/4th century BC:Rise of Phoenician Carthage to become the dominant power in the Mediterranean
264-241 BC:First Punic war against Rome, loss of Sicily
218-201 BC:Second Punic war, loss of Carthaginian great power
149-146 BC. Third Punic War, complete destruction of Carthage by the Romans, Tunisia becomes a Roman province
The Roman period
From 146 BC:Roman province of ‘Africa’
From 27 BC:Intensive Roman colonisation under Augustus, development of over 200 Roman cities in Tunisia
4th century AD Roman empire collapses, Christianity prevails439-570 AD:changing rule of Roman dynasties
The Arab period
670 AD:Arab subjugation of the Byzantine province, foundation of Cairo as the capital
From 799 AD:changing rule of Arab dynasties
Until 8th/9th century AD:Arab dynasties rule Tunisia.
By the 8th/9th century AD:complete Islamisation of the Maghreb
By the 15th century AD:influx of highly educated Muslim and Jewish refugees from Spain promotes art and science
Turkish rule
From 1574:Tunisia becomes a province of the Ottoman Empire for 300 years with autonomy under the
Beys appointed by Constantinople16. From the mid-19th century AD:Highlights of Mediterranean piracy, large slave markets (including in Tunis)
From the mid-19th century AD:Increasing dependence on European colonial powers
The French colonial period
From 1881:Tunisia is a French protectorate, Europeans enter the country
1934:Habib Bourguiba founds the Neo Destour party
From 1950:Fierce clashes between the independence movement and the French administration
Independent Tunisia
20 March 1956:France recognises Tunisian independence -1988 March 1956:France recognises Tunisian independence
1957-1987:Prime Minister Habib Bourguiba becomes President of the Tunisian Republic
07 November 1987:Bourguiba is declared unfit for office by Prime Minister Ben Ali due to his state of health, Ben Ali succeeds him
14 January 2011:Jasmine Revolution, Ben Ali resigns and flees the country, formation of a constituent assembly that appoints a transitional government and a president
31 December 2014:Béji Caïd Essebsi becomes the first president to be freely elected by the people
25 July 2019:Death of the incumbent President Essebsi
23 October 2019:Election of the new president Kais Saied
A touch of Andalusia
Experience the perfect blend of traditional Tunisian charm and Andalusian elegance at Dar Mimouna Djerba. Immerse yourself in a unique and unforgettable journey that showcases the island's rich cultural heritage through its stunning architecture and design.