Mactaris
| Maktar | |
|---|---|
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 Maktar
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| Coordinates: 35°51′38″N 9°12′21″E / 35.86056°N 9.20583°ECoordinates: 35°51′38″N 9°12′21″E / 35.86056°N 9.20583°E | |
| Country |
 Tunisia
|
| Governorate | Siliana Governorate |
| Population (2014) | |
| • Total | 13,576 |
| Time zone | CET (UTC1) |
Maktar (Arabic: مكتر, Latin: Mactaris), or Makthar, is a town and Roman-Berber site in Siliana Governorate, Tunisia. It is located at 35°51′38″N 9°12′21″E / 35.86056°N 9.20583°E, around 140 km (90 mi) southwest of Tunis and 60 km (40 mi) southeast of El Kef. The population in 2014 was 13,576.
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. Numerous inscriptions are recorded through the ruins. Under Roman and Byzantine control, it served as a defense against the local Berber tribes. 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. The town appears on the 4th century Peutinger Map.
It was eventually destroyed by the Banu Hillal tribe in the 10th century.
The modern town lies on a plateau at 900 m (3,000 ft) above sea level. It 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.
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Wikipedia