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  Places of Interest Bulla Regia    
 
  BULLA REGIA

This town's name comes from a combination of Bulla (Berber name signifying 'lowlands' or 'valley') and Regia (meaning 'royal' - Numidian kings resided in this city). Its unique Roman houses, equipped with an underground floor to escape the heat of the summer, make it one of the most interesting sites. The main attraction is the nicely preserved mosaics that decorate the floors of the houses (especially Maison d'Amphitrite).

Located in the north-west of Tunisia, Bulla Regia lies in the Medjerda Valley surrounded by mountains and can become incredibly hot during summer. Since this building style is unique in the Roman Empire, it is assumed that the Romans likely borrowed the idea from the Berbers. Bulla Regia was located on a main road linking the important harbours of Carthage and Hippo Radius (now called Anabas - in Algeria). Many travellers stopped in along the way.

Given that Bulla Regia was initially Numidian, the oldest elements of the city do not follow the Roman grid system. Quarters built later-on show the characteristic Roman regularity.


 
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