Roman Sufetula, established at the beginning of the 1st century AD on the site of a Numidian settlement, seems to have followed an evolutionary path similar to that of other Roman towns in the region, such as Ammredara (Haidra) and Mactaris (Makthar).
The surrounding countryside proved ideal for olive growing (it still is) and Sufetula quickly waxed wealthy, building its finest temples in the 2nd century, when the town - like all of Roman Tunisia - was at the height of its prosperity. Fortuitously, its olive groves ensured that Sufetula continued to prosper long after other Roman towns slipped into decline, helping it to become an important Christian centre in the 4th century.
The Byzantines made Sufetula their regional capital, transforming it into a military stronghold from where they could tackle the area's rebellious local tribes. was here in AD 647 that Prefect GregO! declared himself independent of Constar tinople. However, his moment of glor lasted only a few months before he w, killed by the Arabs, who simultaneous] destroyed much of Sufetula. The Arab vh tory is celebrated with the Festival of t~ Seven Abdullahs, held in the last week of July.