Publications
Local Communities and Archaeological Sites in Tunisia: A Case Study at Dougga (Ancient Thugga) about Cultural Memory and Cultural Markers in the Longue Durée
A persistent cultural memory rooted in Numidian, Punic, and Roman periods persists at Dougga (ancient Thugga), Tunisia, as demonstrated by the enduring cult of Oum Khoula. This study reveals that local communities' oral traditions and reverence for archaeological sites—particularly the marabout associated with a Roman aqueduct cistern—embody deep historical continuity, despite challenges in proving direct lineage. The research employs a case study approach, analyzing cultural markers, legends, and symbols to illustrate how modern cultural identity in the Maghreb is shaped by ancient layers of history. It also examines the implications for archaeologists in interpreting such living traditions, highlighting their significance beyond mere historical reconstruction.
Les deux metae du cirque de Thugga (Dougga) : nouvelles lectures
A newly discovered block from the meta prima of Thugga's circus, unearthed during a 2018 field campaign led by Samir Aounallah and Véronique Brouquier-Reddé, has significantly revised the dating and interpretation of the monument's inscriptions. This finding challenges previous scholarly understandings of the magistrates' roles and the circus's dedication to the imperial family, prompting a reevaluation of its historical significance. The study combines archaeological fieldwork with epigraphic analysis to shed new light on Dougga's ancient urban landscape.
L’ensemble funéraire romain de la nécropole du Nord‑Ouest à Dougga
Archaeological research at Dougga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tunisia, has uncovered over 2,500 epitaphs from five distinct Roman-era burial zones, with more than 500 remaining unpublished. These inscriptions provide invaluable insights into the social structure and cultural practices of the ancient city, which thrived during the Roman period as Thugga. The study employed systematic excavation techniques to analyze these epitaphs, revealing details about the lives, professions, and relationships of Dougga's inhabitants. This discovery significantly enriches our understanding of Roman funeral traditions in North Africa.
Remarques sur la topographie rurale et urbaine du pagus et de la ciuitas de Thugga (Dougga, Tunisie)
A study of the Roman-era territory and urban landscape of Thugga (Dougga, Tunisia) reveals that while the boundaries of its pagus remained stable due to immunity from 205 AD until municipalization, distinguishing between rural (pagus) and urban (civitas) domains within the broader territory remains elusive. However, inscriptions clarify public domain allocations in the urban area, showing a reciprocal exchange under Emperor Commode that led to rapid community fusion. The research also attempts to differentiate urban necropolises attributed to each entity. Using epigraphic evidence, the study reconstructs administrative and spatial dynamics, offering insights into Thugga's unique territorial organization within Carthage's pertica.
Thugga (Dougga)
Thugga (Dougga) is renowned for its strategic location overlooking the Wadi Khaled Valley in modern Tunisia. This site offers significant insights into ancient urban planning and architecture, showcasing a blend of Punic, Roman, and Byzantine influences. The research highlights Thugga's historical importance as a center of culture, religion, and administration during antiquity. The study employs a comprehensive approach, integrating archaeological evidence with historical records to reconstruct the site's evolution over centuries. Key discoveries include well-preserved structures such as temples, theaters, and public baths, which provide a window into the daily life and governance of ancient Thugga.
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