Archaeoseismological study of the Cherichira aqueduct bridge, Kairouan, Tunisia

A detailed archaeoseismological study of the Cherichira aqueduct bridge in Kairouan, Tunisia, reveals that the AD 859 earthquake likely caused significant damage to the Aghlabid-era bridge, potentially rendering it dysfunctional. The research combines historic accounts, 3D laser scan modeling, radiocarbon dating, and geological analysis to assess damage patterns attributable to earthquakes or severe flash floods. Eighteen earthquake scenarios were modeled, with magnitudes ranging from MW6.1 to 7.2, indicating that while some damage may stem from flooding, most is consistent with seismic activity. The study suggests the AD 859 event was particularly destructive but leaves unresolved whether later earthquakes in AD 911 or 1041 led to its complete destruction, pending further dating of bridge sections.

Hinzen, K.-G., Meghraoui, M., Bahrouni, N., Houla, Y., & Reamer, S. K. (2021). Archaeoseismological study of the Cherichira aqueduct bridge, Kairouan, Tunisia. Mediterranean Geoscience Reviews, 3(4), 403–430. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42990-021-00062-9