Takapes, the ancient name of Gabès, is a Numidian toponym. Later, the prefix "Ta" was dropped, and the place became known as Kapes. As in Arabic the sound /p/ is unknown, Kapes became known as Kabes, and later known as Gabès.
Roman period
Gabès is the ancient Tacapae or Tacape or Tacapes of the Roman province of Tripolitania. Strabo refers to this city as an important entrepot of the Lesser Syrtis. Pliny remarks that the waters of a copious fountain at Tacape were divided among the cultivators according to a system where each had the use of the water during a certain interval of time. The Tabula Peutingeriana shows Tacape between Marcomades and Sabratha.
Bishopric
Tacapae became a Christian bishopric that, no longer being a residential see, is included in the Catholic Church's list of titular sees. Three of its bishops are known:
1943: Gabès returns to French control with the help of the British. The operation results in serious damage to the city infrastructure and in the defeat of Hitler for the first time in history.
1945: The rebuilding of Gabès starts.
1956: Gabès reverts to Tunisian control with the independence of Tunisia from the French.
Gabès is one of the biggest industrial cities in Tunisia. Most industries are chemical oriented, this is why the city offers one of the best chemistry degrees in Africa from the University of Gabès. The main industries are:
The fast-growing numbers of factories has resulted in fairly serious pollution of the area and of the Gulf of Gabès. In recent years the government is working on new programs and laws to decrease the amount of pollution.
Transport
is in the city. Gabès will soon be upgraded with one light rail system under the number 7 that will run from the railway station to the port of Gabès. Featuring rolling stock made by Alstom, Gabès will receive 15 new train sets.
Railways
Gabès is terminus of a narrow gauge branch railway from the capital, and is the nearest railway station to the Libyan border at Ras Ajdir. Gabès has also one of the biggest ports in Tunisia; it is used usually to ship the mineral products from the city of Gafsa.
Roads
Gabès will be linked soon with the national motorway A1
Climate
Gabès has a hot semi-arid climate, characterized by a hot and dry season and a cool and arid season.
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Tourism
Overview
Gabès is famous for its traditional Souqs in Jarah; it is known also for its attractive beach and the unusual seaside oasis. The best parts of the beach are in the south of the city. The best one is the Lemawa or Lemaya beach. The government is planning to build a tourist zone there in the coming years. Gabès has a unique feature in the world, in this city you find the mountain, the sea, the oasis and the desert. The streets of Gabès come alive at night during Ramadan, where sook's are open on the streets and parties happen almost everyday in the night during Ramadan. The most visited place in Gabès is the town Matmata. Place to visit:
