Monastir
ROUS PENNA TO MONASTIR
MONASTIR was called before ROUSPINA (name Phoenician ROUS PENNA), the city was used as a basis soldier for the army of Jules Caesar, and it was defended by triple wall, of which the part remained preserved until our days.
MONASTIR became a city very important during the 8éme century, when the dynasty of Aghlabit of KAIROUAN had built the fortress of the RIBAT, a kind of monastery where at the same time a religious place and a military base are, in order to defend the country of the invaders coming on the side of the sea. The golden age of MONASTIR was the 11éme century, at the time where KAIROUAN under the command of Fatimid the statute of capital had lost and it is MONASTIR which have then the statute of a principal city.
While walking in the streets of MONASTIR, it is recommended to begin the visit with the fortress of the RIBAT. This characteristic silhouette which prevails on all the court, was builds into 796, opened its doors today with the visitors, who will find refuge, amber and peace with the centres of his walls and his small lanes in spiral.
The museum of Islamic arts is inside the walls of the RIBAT, as well as the museum ALI BOURGUIBA with his splendid manuscripts in Configure script. These earthenware, texts and relics historical are out of price and they will enchant us during still several centuries.
It could be that a part of this Arab collection of astrolabe comes from KORDOBA (Spain, year 927).