Kerkouane

Kerkouane is an ancient Punic city in northeastern Tunisia, near the Cape Bon peninsula. It is notable as the only surviving example of a Punic city that was not subsequently rebuilt by the Romans or other cultures, providing invaluable insight into Punic urban planning and architecture. The city was likely abandoned around 250 BC during the First Punic War, possibly destroyed by the Romans.

Excavations have revealed well-preserved domestic dwellings, shops, workshops, public spaces, and sanctuaries. The layout of the city reflects Punic social organization, and the architecture showcases Punic construction techniques and religious beliefs. Key features include houses with courtyards, drainage systems, olive oil presses, and a sanctuary dedicated to Tanit, the Punic goddess.

The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The archaeological site and its surrounding necropolis offer a unique and undisturbed snapshot of Punic civilization, providing a tangible link to the Phoenician trading empire that once dominated the Mediterranean. The name "Kerkouane" itself is of uncertain origin, possibly deriving from a Punic or Berber word. The site serves as a crucial resource for archaeologists and historians studying Punic history and culture.