The Rural Landscape of Thugga: Farms, Presses, Mills, and Transport

A new copy of a law governing tenancy rights on imperial estates was discovered, providing unprecedented insights into the agricultural exploitation and landholding patterns of the Roman period in Thugga (Dougga), Tunisia. This finding, combined with extensive epigraphic and archaeological records, allows for the mapping of individual farms and villas, including those equipped with oil or wine presses, within known estate boundaries marked by stones. The study also sheds light on irrigation infrastructure and transport networks that facilitated the movement of surplus production to distant markets. Through a comprehensive analysis of the landscape, this research offers an exceptionally rich understanding of Roman agricultural practices in North Africa.

Vos, M. d. (2013). The Rural Landscape of Thugga: Farms, Presses, Mills, and Transport. The Roman Agricultural Economy, 143–218. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199665723.003.0006