North Africa, Carthage, Roman Aqueduct, 2nd Century
Carthage's Ancient Aqueduct which formerly brought water to ancient Carthage from the springs of Zahouan and Djouar in Tunisia more than 300 complete arches yet remain in excellent condition. The vast aqueduct constructed early in the second century by the Roman emperors Hadrian and Septimus Severus was about 88 miles long. In ancient times, Tunisia was primarily inhabited by Berbers. Phoenician immigration began in the 12th century BC; these immigrants founded Carthage. A major mercantile power and a military rival of the Roman Republic, Carthage was defeated by the Romans in 146 BC. The Romans, who would occupy Tunisia for most of the next 800 years, introduced Christianity and left architectural legacies like the El Djem amphitheater. The Muslims conquered the whole of Tunisia by 697, followed by the Ottoman Empire between 1534 and 1574. The Ottomans held sway for over 300 years. The French colonization of Tunisia occurred in 1881. Tunisia gained independence with Habib Bourguiba and declared the Tunisian Republic in 1957. American Red Cross, T.T. and C. June 15, 1920
