Djerba History, Tunisia

According to a famous legend, this island was actually the place where various lotus eaters used to reside. That legend also says that the famous Greek king Ulysses halted for some time here, while he was sailing on the Mediterranean Sea. The history of Djerba is famous due to the multiple legends and to many changes it went through.

Djerba History-The Early Years

This huge island was famous by the name of Meninx till the second half of the 3rd century. During those times it had three different towns under its political as well as geographical boundaries. The most famous of them was Būrgū which is located now in the center of Djerba. Various archeological excavations – namely a huge tomb, dense pottery work, and various high mounds belonging to the royal family of Numidian –, have proved that during the 4th century B.C. a very large town used to flourish in this region.

It was during the same time period when this island was also called by the name of Girba from which the current name of the island originated.

Djerba History-The Middle Age

The Ibadites occupied this island during the middle ages and hence gave birth to various disputes due to the presence of Christians who were already residing here. Various tiny mosques from this period have been found in the archeological sites.

It was the 16th century when this island was under the control of the Turkish Army for a small time period. It was 1560 when the battle of Djerba was fought between Turgut Reis, accompanied by Piyale Pasha, and Philip II.

The history of Djerba continues to evolve with every passing day as still many excavations are being done and many new points are being discovered. It was 2002 when Al – Qaeda blasted a truck full of bombs, bringing Djerba in the international limelight.