Tunisia

On Monday, March 20th,, Tunisia celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence from French rule.

Timeline of Tunisia History

Tunisia in the News: Human Rights/Terror Issue

Carthage:

Founding of Carthage according to The Story of the Romans by H.A. Guerber

Overview of Carthage and what can be seen today

Hannibal Barca and the Punic Wars

Tunisians in the Catholic Church:

Tunisia was the birthplace of numerous well-known saints, including Pope Victor (d. 199) , the martyrs Felicity and Perpetua (d. 203), St. Cyprian of Carthage (Father and Doctor of the Church, bishop and martyr) and, of course, the great Father and Doctor of the Church St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 - also one of the Map Guy's patron saints, by the way).

We read about some of these saints this morning in Saints of Africa by Vincent J. O'Malley, C.M. (Our Sunday Visitor). We were particularly amazed at this part of the story about St. Cyprian when he is condemned to die:

The proconsul consulted his assesor. He then pronounced sentence, very reluctantly, as follows: You have long lived an irreligious life; you have gathered round you many members of a wicked association; you have set yourself up against the Roman gods and their religion; and you have rejected the call of our pious and most sacred emperors...to the observance of their rites. Accordingly, since you are found guilty of being the author and leader of most shameful crimes, you shall be made an example to those whom you have associated with yourself in wickedness; the law must be vindicated in your blood. (Here he read from his tablets.) "We order that Thascius Cyprianus be put to death by the sword." And Cyprian answered, "Thanks be to God."