The origins of the city of Tunis, located near the ancient city of Carthage on the Gulf of Tunis in the Mediterranean Sea, dates back to pre-Roman times.
In the 7th century, when it came under Arab rule, the city became more important and the Great Mosque was built.
Between the 12th and 16th centuries the city was under rule of the Almohad and the Hafsid dynasties. During this time Tunis was one of the most important cities in the Islamic world.
Tunis is the capital of Tunisia since the 12th century.