Gulf of Tunis

The Gulf of Tunis opens between Cape Farina and Cape Bon on the northern coast of Africa. Carthage stood beside its waters, and the city of Tunis grew beyond the shallow Lake of Tunis. The narrow passage at La Goulette links the lake to the gulf, making its fortifications a key to the city's seaward approaches.

In 1534 Hayreddin Barbarossa captured Tunis from the Hafsid ruler. The following year an expedition led by Charles V took La Goulette and Tunis, restoring the Hafsid dynasty under Spanish protection. Spanish forces fortified La Goulette, but in 1574 an Ottoman fleet attacked the stronghold and took Tunis. The gulf had carried rival armies to the gates of the city as well as ships bound for its markets.