 The city Hadrumetum
was originally founded by the Phoenicians.
Under their rule, Hadrumetum became one of the most important
commercial centres in the Mediterranean. During the Third Punic
War it became one of the most important cities, because it had
chosen to take Rome's side. The town eventually emerged from the
conflict as a free city. A century later Hadrumetum was
nevertheless incorporated into the Roman empire, after it had
sided with Pompey against Julius Caesar.
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In 98-111 A.D., Trajanus transformed it into an important mercantile
city, one of Rome's most beautiful colonies, illuminated with splendid
and precious monuments. Later on Hadrumetum was chosen as capital of the
new province of Byzacena and became an important centre for the
divulgence of Christianity.
The town was subsequently set under Vandal and Byzantine rule. During
both rules it succeeded however in keeping its important position. The
Vandals renamed it Hunsericopolis, before their Byzantine successors
renamed it Justinianopolis. Arab invaders, disturbed at seeing the city
in the hands of Christians, invaded it after a long siege.
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