Sousse Archaeological Museum

Sousse Archaeological Museum

The Sousse Archaeological Museum is situated in the Kasbah and boasts Tunisia’s second-largest mosaic collection, following the Bardo Museum in Tunis. Built in 1976, it mainly exhibits mosaics from the Roman Christian era of the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. The museum also holds an extensive collection of artifacts such as vases, masks, sculptures, and even completely excavated tombs. One of its most distinctive features is that resident mosaic artisans demonstrate this intricate craft on-site.

Most of the mosaics in the Sousse Archaeological Museum were excavated from ancient Roman sites near Sousse, such as the city itself or nearby amphitheaters. The mosaics depict pastoral life, love stories, and mythological tales. The figures, plants, birds, and animals in the artworks are rendered with lifelike detail, vibrant and harmonious colors, making them true works of art. Among them is a colorful “Taiji Diagram” mosaic. Its description reads: “The composition of this mosaic originates from the East. Yin and Yang are interdependent, symbolizing the vitality and everlasting prosperity of all things. Judging by the design, this piece was introduced to Africa via the Silk Road.” It was unearthed in 1947 at the foot of Sousse’s northern city.