The Dazzling Dougga – Tunisia

The archaeological area or the antiquated Roman City of Dougga or Thugga is situated in the north-western part of Tunisia and is very well-known because of its historical significance. UNESCO stated that ‘the best-preserved Roman small town in North Africa’, and declared it the World Heritage Site in the year 1997. The grandeur of Thugga, its well-kept cairns and the rich Byzantine, ancient Roman, Punic and Numidian-Berber history, make this region truly out-standing and attracts oodles of tourists who take flights to Tunis to visit the most convincing ascertainable places in Dougga. The climate of Tunisia is the Mediterranean type with dry, hot summers and cool winters but the tourists hit this marvelous destination throughout the year.

There are many alluring sites that will leave you in awe, one such historical and monumental structure is The Trifolium Villa, whose history dates back to the 2^nd and 3^rd century and is erected downhill, from the domains that encircle the avenue and the public commemorations of the city. The villa was named because of the trefoil-shaped alcove that was kept reserved for triclinium, in the biggest house that has been delved. It has 2-floors with the 1^st one completely empty and looks very unique because of its alignment and the slopes.

The area also contains the traces of an ancient Market which possesses the history from the 1^st century, having the size of 35.5 metres by 28 metres, enclosed with shops and portico. The builders definitely created some masterpieces in order to atone for the natural acclivity of the land. The earthworks are known to be the oldest of the Roman architectures but the market was completely excavated when the Byzantine fort was created.

This historical region of Dougga covers an area of about 75 hectares and is elevated at a height of 571 metres, bestriding the fertile Oued Khalled valley. Before the acquisition of Numidia by the Romans, Thugga lasted for almost 7 centuries and served as the metropolis of the Numidian monarchy. The inspiring artefacts which are still preserved there provide a glimpse of the distinguished Romanised Numidian region. Footmarks dating back to the Numidian times have been discovered in the architecture of that temple which has been allotted to Liber.

Licinian baths are one-of-a-kind and are worth-visiting- as many of its fortifications are undamaged and the long tunnels that were used by the slaves still exist in original positions, this site still tempts plenty of people. In 3^rd century, the Licinii family donated the baths to the city which were actually used in winters. Don’t miss the chance to observe the frigidarium that consists of three arcades having a large window to have a bird’s eye view of the valley.

In the nearby location, you will find the Punic-Libyan Mausoleum which is a noticeable example of Numidian engineering. The authors strongly believe that there is a strong connection between the Alexandrian necropolises and Anatolian architecture of 2^nd and 3^rd centuries. It has the height of about 21 metres and is approachable with a pedestal of five steps. Moving towards the northern side, there lies the closed funeral-chamber blanketed with slabs of stone.