The two smaller amphitheatres

These can be found on the other side of the road to Sfax; and can be reached by following a track which crosses the main railway line. The older of the two [1st century B.C.] has simply been cut into the rock. The second amphitheatre is superimposed on the former.

The collection of mosaics at the Museums of El Jem and the Bardo give us some idea of the sort of games and spectacles that were put on in these arenas : gladiatorial combat was popular, but the highlight of the games was the confrontation of wild animals, such as lions and leopards, caught by beaters in the African forests. Sometimes prisoners of war or Christians were thrown into the arena as fodder for the wild animals, a spectacle, sad to say, which was greatly appreciated by the spectators.