Sfax has it deep roots in the 8th century AD when it was established by the Arabs in a very privileged position in the country. It was later fortified under the Aghlabid rule to defend the arena during the Hilalian invasions in the 11th century. Great degrees of prosperity were maintained and the city reached its peak of progress in the 14th century and until the 17th century. New phases of development were achieved to the city in the 19th century after the French controlled over the country as evident the blooming state the city witnessed.