Columns from a Roman house

Utica view

Teracotta pieces formed a primitive mosaic flooring method of the Phonecians

Utica - Introduction

Located a short drive north of Tunis, the ancient city of Utica reveals little of its great past. It is perhaps one of the oldest Phoenician colonies in Africa, created in 1101 BC by its founders from Tyre. Revolting against Carthage, the city sided with Rome during the Third Punic War. Proclaimed free from Roman rule in 144 BC, it was promoted to capital after Carthage's destruction. When Carthage rebuilt and regained its power during the reign of Augustus, Utique also entered a period of renewal. Over 3,000 years ago, Utica was a large Mediterranean port. With the Oued Medjerda floods, Utica is now 12 kilometers inland. Vandal invasions further contributed to Utica's decline.

Utica had floors covered with beautiful varieties of marble	Some of the mosaics at Utica contained pieces of lapis lazuli, a semi-precious blue stone	A large sundial dominated one room