Synopsis
Unchanged digital reproduction of the print edition (published 1994)
The German-Tunisian excavations at Chemtou/Simitthus began in 1968 with investigations of a Roman camp that had previously been identified through aerial photography. Surveys had already been carried out since 1965 in the ancient marble quarries and at the sanctuary on the Temple Mountain. The aim of the project was to study the important Roman marble extraction site and its religious and military installations. During the excavations, later military structures were removed, ancient foundations were uncovered, and parts of the sanctuary were conserved. Instead of reconstructing the sanctuary, a low marble pedestal was erected on the Temple Mountain as a visible landmark.
In the following decades, research focused on the unique labor and administrative camp of the imperial quarries. Of particular importance was the excavation of the so-called Ergastulum-Fabrica, which had initially been interpreted as a workshop but was later identified as a workers’ barracks. Further investigations concerned temple complexes, cult precincts, necropoleis, a Byzantine basilica, and urban structures such as baths, aqueducts, and bridges. Numerous German and Tunisian archaeologists, restorers, and specialists collaborated in the excavation, restoration, and analysis of the finds.
This volume primarily publishes new results concerning the history and function of the Roman camp, especially the military presence in the quarry area from the 1st century AD onward. A particular focus lies on the Temple Mountain and the investigation and identification of its sanctuaries from the early Numidian to the Byzantine period. The volume also highlights new findings on the Ergastulum-Fabrica as well as on water management and the camp’s bath complex. In addition, it includes an analysis of the pottery discovered within the camp. The publication further contains reconstructions, architectural surveys, and detailed drawings documenting the archaeological remains.
Published
May 20, 2026Series
Categories
Bibliographic Information and Reviews
Copyright & License
Copyright (c) 2026 Deutsches Archäologisches Institut
Details about this monograph
ISBN-10 (02)
3-8053-1625-9
Posts
Stumble It!
No comments:
Post a Comment