Denzel Washington's portrayal of 'Hannibal' stirred up racial controversy in that country!

68-year-old black actor Denzel Washington's portrayal of the former Carthaginian general 'Hannibal' in an upcoming Netflix production has sparked controversy in Tunisia, the general's birthplace.

SKIN COLOR DISCUSSED Following a similar debate in Egypt over race and representation in the wake of the Cleopatra documentary, Tunisian newspapers, social media and even the halls of parliament have become the stage for discussions about the skin color of the long-deceased leader.

"A HISTORICAL MISTAKE" The French-language Tunisian news outlet 'La Presse' said the casting was a historic mistake.

CALL TO "CANCEL THE DOCUMENTARY" According to the Daily Mail, a petition signed by 1,300 people on social media called on the Ministry of Culture to take action to prevent the production from airing.

ABOUT HANNIBAL Born in Carthage, near modern-day Tunisia, Hannibal is considered by many to be one of history's greatest military leaders. During the war against the Romans in 218 BC, he led his troops and African war elephants across a high pass in the Alps and attacked Rome from the north. For 15 years he ravaged the country and the people, but he never succeeded in capturing Rome and eventually had to return to North Africa. Hannibal's skin color is also unknown. Historians of the ancient Mediterranean world largely agree that he was of Phoenician origin, even though he lived in a time of great empires and mixing.