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Hammamet
Arabic:
'al-hamāmāt
Town in Tunisia with about 50,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate), situated on the Hammamet Gulf, a part of the Mediterranean Sea, in the north of the country.
The economy of Hammamet is today mainly beach tourism, but fishing is still an important trade. Hammamet is linked with the main north-south highway and the railways.
Hammamet has a compact and charming old town, located inside complete city walls. It is also noted for the beautiful 20th century Sebastian's Villa.
History
1st millennium BCE: The area is known as the town of Pupput.
2nd century CE: Pupput is turned into a Roman colony.
13th century: The seaside fortress is built.
15th century: The old town (medina) is founded. The town becomes central in the piracy activities of the Mediterranean Sea.
16th century: While under control of the Spanish, Hammamet grows significantly.
1920s: The Romanian millionaire Georges Sebastian establishes himself in Hammamet, which results in the town becoming a fashionable tourist destination.
1940: Becomes the headquarters of the German general, Erwin Rommel, during World War 2.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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