A mighty wall surrounds the medina, the old part of the Tunisian
city of Sousse, whose fortifications date back to the 9th
century. They were built by the Aghlabid Dynasty, who were
strongly influenced by Islam. There is a remarkable gate at the
northern edge of the medina. It is the entrance to the ribat, an
impressive fortress that was built by the Aghlabids in the 10th
century. This military building was very similar to a monastery
in which Islamic interests dominated the actions of the Rabat's
'Warrior Monks'. The history of Sousse has been influenced by
many different countries and cultures. Carthagian, Roman and
even Byzantine influences can be found in the city. Its
convenient location, coastline and fertile countryside created a
prosperous trading and commercial centre, making Sousse the main
metropolis of the Sahel. Stretching out onto the highest point
of the medina is the impressive fortress, the kasbah, that was
built on the foundations of a Byzantine castle and today,
contains an important museum