Little is known of the exact history of the ancient ruins of Sbeitla and few documents exist of the seminal years of this old Roman city. However, some of the buildings and ruins are exceptionally well preserved such as the Antonius Pius Arch, a main entrance gate to a large forum.

The temples are a curiosity and run contrary to the normal architectural style of Roman temples, which customarily unite the gods Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, as these temples are located in three separate buildings.

Sbeitla can be thought of as a classic example of efficient Roman construction and street planning that made little reference to the conventional design characteristics of the period. Excavations that were undertaken between 1907 and 1922 uncovered an area of ruins of approximately 600,000 square metres.

At least seven religious sites date back to the Christian period of the fifth and sixth centuries. It is thought that the three basilicas that lie beyond the temples were built on the foundations of former Roman temples. Even today the excavation of this extensive area has not been completed as it is believed that two thirds of this ancient city has still to be discovered.