Kerkman is an ancient and rather large Punic city of times of Carthage, Dating from the V-IV centuries BC During the first Punic war it was destroyed and after, unlike Carthage, was not rebuilt, nor the Romans, nor the Arabs. But the more valuable things found on its territory, because they show the life of that time, not distorted foreign influence.

In Kerkouane almost not found important historical documents, but opened a whole collection of everyday objects that are stored in the nearby archaeological Museum, opened in 1986. According to one version, the city was destroyed in the II century BC by the Roman Emperor Marc Regula, on the other — already during the war with Agathocles in 310 BC it was badly damaged, but residents remained in the city until the conquest of Kerkuane Rome.

The city was quite wealthy, as its territory was carried on extensive trade and through it lay on the trade route. Besides, there was mined and produced a purple dye for fabrics, which was then a very expensive commodity. Some archaeologists believe that the city could be built before Carthage in the sixth century BC, because on its territory there are several houses, is much older than the others. Judging by the number of foundations in Kerkouane there were about 2 thousand people, was the sanctuary, and in the center there was a shopping area.

Necropolis, located Northwest of the city, was found by local resident in 1929, when he worked in the fields, but the French archaeologists began excavations in it only in 1952, 20 years later. In 1985 UNESCO declared Kerkman, including the adjacent necropolis, a world heritage site as the best preserved Punic settlement.

Tourists visiting Kerkman, have the opportunity to see the layout of the Punic city in its original form, walk through its streets and go to the house, where the unique tubs of pink marble and mosaic panels.