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.^[1]

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.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Population Census 2004 National Institute of Statistics (French)

External links

• Lexicorient
•  "Mactaris". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. 1913.