[1] By the early 3rd century, when the amphitheatre was built, Thysdrus rivaled Hadrumetum (modern Sousse) as the second city of Roman North Africa after Carthage.

However, following the abortive revolt that began there in AD 238 and Gordian's suicide in his villa near Carthage, Roman troops loyal to the emperor Maximinus Thrax sacked the city.

The prosperity of Thysdrus in Roman times, despite the challenges posed by its hostile geographical environment[2][3][4] reveals a diversity of economic and craft activities far richer than initially thought.

Although the difficult soil and lack of water posed major challenges to agriculture, the remains of rural settlements and small towns reveal more sustained activity than expected.

What's more, although pottery workshops have yet to be identified, ceramic production seems to have played a crucial role in the local economy, as evidenced by the many finds of statuettes and terracotta moulds.

The amphitheatre at El Djem was built by the Romans under proconsul Gordian, who was acclaimed emperor at Thysdrus around 238 and was mainly used for gladiator shows and small-scale chariot races.