Sfax was built on the site of two ancient settlements, the city grew as an Islamic trading center.  During the 12th century the Normans occupied the area, and during the 16th century the Spanish had control of the region.  Eventually Sfax served as a stronghold for the Barbary Coast pirates.  Sfax was bombarded by the French in 1881 prior to their occupation of Tunisia and again in World War II (1939-1945).  Sfax soon became a base for German forces, until it was taken over by the British in 1943.  Sfax is Tunisia's second-largest city!  The city of Sfax is also a transportation hub and major fishing port of the area.