Publications
Repeated historical earthquakes in Sousse, Monastir and El-Jem (Tunisia)—an archaeoseismological study
Historical earthquakes in Tunisia, previously considered sparse and moderate, have been linked to significant seismic damage in the eastern Sahel region. Archaeoseismological evidence from the Roman amphitheatre of El-Jem, along with Islamic buildings in Sousse and Monastir, suggests seismic events reaching intensity IX on the EMS98 scale. These damages are attributed to nearby active faults—the east-west Cherichira-Abaieh Fault and the north-south Monastir Fault. The 859 AD Kairouan earthquake, coinciding with restoration works in Sousse, is estimated to have had a magnitude of up to 7.2 based on fault segment length. Additional seismic events, including one post-1575, further highlight the higher seismic hazard in Sousse due to its proximity to two active faults.
The North African amphitheatres
North African amphitheatres, including the Amphitheatre of El Jem, exhibit a significant preponderance of evidence for beast hunts (venationes) over gladiatorial combats (munera gladiatorum). This chapter presents updated and expanded data from recent surveys, offering a detailed examination of key amphitheatres such as those in Carthage, Thysdrus (El Jem), and Iol Caesarea (Cherchel). It also includes a comprehensive catalogue of North African amphitheatres, analyzing chronology, architectural typologies, distribution patterns, regional trends, cultural influences, and the potential for human sacrifices. The research synthesizes historical context from the Punic Wars to the Arab invasions, providing insights into the architectural expertise and cultural practices of these ancient structures.
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