Uthina Archaeological Site: A Roman Veteran Colony in Tunisia
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Country: Tunisia
Civilization: Byzantine, Roman
Remains: City
Context
The Archaeological Site of Uthina is situated near the contemporary town of Mornag in northeastern Tunisia, within the grid reference J569+5M8. It occupies a gently inclined terrain on the eastern margin of the Tunisian Sahel, adjacent to the fertile plains of the Medjerda River valley. This strategic location provided access to abundant water resources and arable land, factors that influenced its initial settlement and sustained agricultural economy throughout antiquity. The site’s proximity to ancient roadways connecting Carthage with inland territories further enhanced its accessibility and regional integration.
Originally established during the Punic period, Uthina underwent significant urban development under Roman administration from the late 1st century BCE through the 3rd century CE. Archaeological evidence indicates continued occupation into the Byzantine era, although with signs of gradual decline during late antiquity. The eventual abandonment of the site appears to have been a protracted process, likely concluding by the 7th century CE amid the broader political and social transformations associated with the early Islamic conquests.
Systematic archaeological investigations initiated in the 20th century have uncovered well-preserved remains of public and private architecture, revealing substantial portions of the city’s urban fabric. Conservation efforts have prioritized the stabilization of exposed structures and the facilitation of ongoing research, supported by Tunisian heritage authorities in collaboration with international institutions.
History
The Archaeological Site of Uthina exemplifies a settlement with a prolonged occupation history shaped by regional political, military, and cultural developments. Initially founded during the Punic era, the site later attained prominence as a Roman veteran colony, integrating into the provincial framework of Africa Proconsularis. Its location near fertile agricultural lands and key communication routes fostered urban growth and economic activity. Uthina’s historical trajectory reflects phases of prosperity, conflict, and decline, paralleling wider North African historical dynamics from the late Republic through late antiquity. The site’s abandonment by the 7th century CE corresponds with the transformative impact of the early Islamic expansions and shifting regional power structures.
Punic Period
During the Punic period, Uthina functioned as a rural settlement within the Carthaginian sphere of influence, situated near the Medjerda River valley and fertile plains. Although archaeological remains from this phase are limited, the site’s location along inland routes connecting Carthage to hinterland regions suggests a role in local agricultural production and trade. No monumental architecture from this period has been identified, but the continuity of occupation into the Roman era indicates an established community engaged primarily in subsistence farming and pastoralism under Carthaginian cultural influence.
Roman Period (Late 1st century BCE – 3rd century CE)
The Roman transformation of Uthina commenced in the late 1st century BCE under Emperor Augustus, who established it as a colony for veterans of the Legio XIII Gemina. Officially designated Colonia Iulia Pietas Tertiadecimanorum Uthina, it was among the earliest Roman colonies in Africa Proconsularis. This status conferred municipal privileges and integrated the city into the imperial administrative system. Uthina is referenced by ancient geographers such as Ptolemy and Pliny the Elder and appears on the Tabula Peutingeriana, confirming its recognized role within Roman geography and governance.
In the 2nd century CE, particularly under the Antonine and Severan dynasties, Uthina experienced its apogee, marked by extensive urban expansion and monumental construction. The city’s religious center featured a large capitol complex dedicated to the Capitoline Triad—Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva—with the central temple of Jupiter measuring approximately 43 by 27 meters. This temple, erected on a high podium with vaulted chambers beneath, ranks among the largest in Roman Africa. The construction of an elliptical amphitheater during Hadrian’s reign, capable of seating up to 16,000 spectators and partially embedded into a hillside, further attests to the city’s prosperity. Public amenities included expansive thermal baths dating to the early 2nd century CE, likely from Trajan’s era, featuring a two-level design with hypocaust heating. The city’s water supply was secured by a sophisticated aqueduct system with dual branches, channeling spring water to public cisterns, the forum, and baths, demonstrating advanced hydraulic engineering.
Uthina’s urban footprint extended over several tens of hectares atop a hill overlooking fertile plains, underscoring its strategic and economic significance within the province. However, the city’s fortunes waned following the revolt of Gordian I in 238 CE, when soldiers loyal to Capellianus sacked Uthina. This episode, documented in historical sources and corroborated by archaeological evidence of damage, marked a turning point leading to diminished urban vitality.
Late Antiquity and Byzantine Period (4th–7th centuries CE)
After the 3rd-century crisis and sack, Uthina persisted as an inhabited center through late antiquity and the Byzantine period. The city remained under Eastern Roman control following the 6th-century reconquest of North Africa. Although epigraphic and architectural evidence from this era is sparse, indications of continued occupation exist, albeit with reduced urban scale and diminished monumental construction. The demographic composition likely shifted toward a localized population with increased Christian influence, as suggested by ecclesiastical architectural adaptations, though specific clerical figures remain undocumented.
Economic activity contracted but continued at a subsistence level, focusing on agriculture and limited artisanal production. Public amenities such as baths were maintained to some extent, reflecting ongoing communal functions. Religious practice transitioned toward Christianity, with churches supplanting or repurposing earlier pagan structures. The city’s administrative status declined under Byzantine provincial governance, with reduced municipal autonomy. By the 7th century CE, material culture indicates a marked decrease in urban activity, coinciding with the Arab-Muslim conquests that reconfigured North Africa’s political and religious landscape. The abandonment of Uthina appears gradual, without evidence of violent destruction during this transition.
Medieval Islamic Period (10th–11th centuries CE)
During the medieval Islamic period, Uthina was not reoccupied as a formal settlement but was intermittently utilized for the exploitation of its Roman ruins. Archaeological recovery of Islamic ceramics dating primarily to the 10th and 11th centuries CE attests to sporadic activity, possibly by itinerant shepherds, quarry workers, or small-scale agriculturalists. This pattern aligns with broader regional trends where ancient sites served as sources of building materials or temporary shelters rather than centers of continuous habitation. No evidence of new urban infrastructure or religious buildings from this period has been identified at the site.
Modern Rediscovery and Excavation (19th century – present)
Initial archaeological investigations at Uthina began in the 19th century, uncovering mosaics and architectural remains, notably from prominent private residences such as the Villa of the Laberii. Systematic excavations resumed in 1993, resulting in extensive uncovering and restoration of key monuments including the amphitheater, baths, and domestic structures. These efforts have elucidated the city’s urban layout and historical development. The amphitheater has been a focal point of ongoing excavation and conservation, with detailed study of its underground vaulted galleries. Since 1999, the site has been accessible for scholarly research and has served as a filming location, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.
Daily Life and Importance by Period
Punic Period
During the Punic era, Uthina functioned primarily as a rural settlement within the Carthaginian cultural and economic sphere. Although direct archaeological evidence from this phase is limited, the settlement likely comprised indigenous Berber populations influenced by Punic customs, possibly alongside Carthaginian settlers or traders. Residential structures were probably modest and oriented toward agricultural subsistence, with family units engaged in cereal cultivation, olive growing, and pastoralism supported by the fertile environment.
Economic activities centered on small-scale farming and participation in regional trade networks facilitated by proximity to inland routes. The diet likely included cereals, pulses, olives, and locally sourced fish, consistent with rural Punic communities in the Tunisian Sahel. Material culture, inferred by analogy with contemporary sites, suggests the use of woolen or linen garments and sandals. Religious practices would have aligned with Punic polytheism, venerating deities such as Baal Hammon and Tanit, although no dedicated religious structures from this period have been identified at Uthina.
Roman Period (Late 1st century BCE – 3rd century CE)
The establishment of Uthina as a Roman veteran colony brought significant changes to its social composition and urban life. The population included Roman citizens, local Punic-Berber inhabitants, and freedmen, creating a diverse community. Epigraphic evidence attests to municipal officials such as duumviri and magistrates, reflecting an organized civic administration modeled on Roman institutions. Elite families, exemplified by the Laberii and Industrius households, owned expansive residences adorned with intricate mosaics, indicating social stratification.
Economically, Uthina thrived on mixed agriculture—grain, olives, and vineyards—complemented by artisanal production and trade facilitated by its location on the road connecting Carthage to the interior. Archaeological findings of workshops and private baths suggest household-level industry and leisure activities. The city’s sophisticated aqueduct and public baths demonstrate municipal investment in infrastructure supporting urban life. Dietary remains indicate consumption of bread, olives, wine, and fish, with evidence of imported goods accessed through regional markets.
Domestic architecture featured open courtyards surrounded by covered porticoes, kitchens, and storage rooms. Floors were richly decorated with mosaics depicting mythological and rural themes. Clothing adhered to Roman styles, including tunics, togas for citizens, and cloaks, with sandals as common footwear. Transportation relied on established road networks for carts and animal caravans, facilitating movement of goods and people.
Religious life centered on the monumental capitol complex dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, reflecting Roman state cults. Public festivals and rituals likely accompanied civic ceremonies. The amphitheater and baths functioned as social venues for entertainment and communal interaction. Although direct evidence is lacking, educational and cultural activities probably paralleled those of other Roman colonies, including public readings and rhetorical instruction. Uthina’s role as a municipium and veteran colony integrated Roman law and culture, serving as a regional administrative and economic center within Africa Proconsularis until the mid-3rd century CE.
Late Antiquity and Byzantine Period (4th–7th centuries CE)
Following the 3rd-century sack, Uthina experienced a gradual decline but remained inhabited through late antiquity and the Byzantine period. The population likely became more localized, with diminished Roman veteran presence and increased integration of Berber and Christian communities. Although inscriptions and architectural modifications from this era are limited, evidence suggests the presence of ecclesiastical authorities and Christian worship, reflecting the broader religious transformation of the region.
Economic activities contracted but persisted at a subsistence level, focusing on agriculture and limited artisanal production. Public amenities such as baths and some civic buildings were maintained, indicating continued communal functions. Domestic spaces show fewer monumental decorations, consistent with economic constraints. Religious practices shifted toward Christianity, with churches replacing or adapting earlier pagan structures. Transportation and trade diminished, relying more on local routes. The city’s administrative status declined under Byzantine governance, with reduced municipal autonomy. The decline culminated by the 7th century CE, coinciding with the Arab-Muslim conquests that disrupted traditional civic and economic structures.
Medieval Islamic Period (10th–11th centuries CE)
By the medieval Islamic period, Uthina no longer functioned as an inhabited urban center but was sporadically used for exploiting its Roman ruins. Archaeological evidence of Islamic ceramics from the 10th and 11th centuries indicates intermittent activity, possibly by itinerant shepherds, quarry workers, or small-scale agriculturalists utilizing the site’s remains. No evidence of permanent settlement, structured households, or new urban infrastructure has been identified. The reuse of Roman building materials reflects practical adaptation rather than cultural continuity. Religious practices conformed to Islam, but no mosques or Islamic religious installations have been documented at the site. The site’s regional importance had effectively ceased, serving primarily as a source of building materials and occasional shelter within a transformed political and economic landscape.
Remains
Architectural Features
The Archaeological Site of Uthina encompasses several tens of hectares atop a hill overlooking fertile plains near the Oued Miliane valley. The urban fabric comprises a combination of civic, religious, residential, and infrastructural elements. Construction techniques include local stone masonry and Roman concrete (opus caementicium), with vaulted chambers and brickwork employed in public buildings. The city expanded notably during the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, with subsequent contraction and partial reuse during the Byzantine and early Islamic periods. Extant remains include monumental structures, domestic buildings, and water management facilities, many partially excavated and conserved.
Topographical features influenced the placement of major buildings, with the amphitheater partially embedded into a northern hillside. The water supply system, including aqueducts and cisterns, is distributed throughout the urban area, supporting both public amenities and private residences. Residential quarters contain large villas and houses with mosaic pavements. Defensive structures such as a fortress and a bridge are present but less extensively documented. Overall, the remains reflect a complex urban environment with multiple construction phases and adaptations.
Key Buildings and Structures
Amphitheater
Constructed during Emperor Hadrian’s reign in the early 2nd century CE, the amphitheater is situated on the northern edge of the ancient city. It has an elliptical plan measuring approximately 110 by 90 meters, with a central arena of 58 by 35 meters. Seating was supported by the natural slope of the hill, with lower tiers excavated into the ground and upper sections featuring arches visible above the surface. The structure could accommodate an estimated 15,000 to 16,000 spectators, ranking it third in size in Tunisia after the amphitheaters of Carthage and El Jem.
Architectural features include an underground vaulted gallery aligned along the major axis, providing access to the basement, which contains symmetrical vaults and rooms beneath the arena. Excavations and restoration have been ongoing since 1993, with the site opened to the public in 1999. Historically, the amphitheater hosted gladiatorial contests and combat spectacles. Surviving elements include seating areas, vaults, and portions of the arena enclosure.
Capitol (Main Temple Complex)
The Capitol complex, dating to the 2nd century CE, comprises three temples dedicated to the Capitoline Triad: Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. The central temple, dedicated to Jupiter, measures approximately 43 by 27 meters and is situated on a high podium dominating the cityscape. Access was provided by wide staircases arranged on two levels separated by a landing. The podium contains large vaulted chambers beneath the temple corresponding to these staircases.
Only the columns of the central temple’s façade remain standing, with one Corinthian capital reinstalled to indicate the original height. The temples opened onto the forum, integrating religious and civic spaces. The monumental scale of the complex places it among the largest temple structures in Roman Africa. No clear evidence of later repurposing has been identified.
Large Public Baths (Thermae)
The large public baths date to the early 2nd century CE, likely constructed during Emperor Trajan’s reign. Covering an estimated 6,500 to 10,000 square meters, they follow an imperial-style symmetrical plan. The baths consist of two levels: the upper level contains various hot and cold rooms accessible to the public, while the lower level was used for wood storage to fuel the hypocaust heating system, which employed small brick pillars to elevate hot rooms and allow air circulation beneath.
The cold rooms were vaulted and included a basin. The baths were built on the site of a former oil mill, with remains of a press and mosaic-paved rooms incorporated into the complex. The water supply was connected to the city’s aqueduct system. No significant modifications after initial construction have been documented.
Baths of the Fishing Cupids
Located near the House of Ikarios, the Baths of the Fishing Cupids form a smaller bath complex. They include a frigidarium (cold room) with several pools. Walls and floors are decorated with mosaics, notably a Nilotic-themed mosaic depicting cupids fishing from a small boat using nets. These baths date to the Roman period and appear to have served a residential or neighborhood bathing function.
Villa of the Laberii
The Villa of the Laberii is a large private residence covering approximately 2,300 square meters with about 30 rooms. It is organized around an open-air central patio surrounded on all four sides by a covered portico. Most rooms are paved with mosaics, with originals housed in the National Bardo Museum and copies displayed on site. The villa was partially excavated in the 19th century and re-excavated starting in 1993.
Notable mosaics include a floral composition centered on a mythological scene of Selene watching the sleeping Endymion, a rural life scene depicting farming and animal husbandry, and a reception room mosaic showing Dionysus giving vines to Ikarios, surrounded by seasonal motifs. The villa also contains a private bath complex associated with the Laberii family, featuring a frigidarium floor mosaic depicting Orpheus charming animals.
House of Industrius
The House of Industrius is a private residence covering about 700 square meters. It contains a notable mosaic depicting Venus Anadyomene (Venus rising from the sea), flanked by two nymphs holding vases and surrounded by numerous sea birds. The mosaic includes a large inscription bearing the name “Industrius.” This mosaic is now exhibited in the National Bardo Museum. The house dates to the Roman period and is part of the residential quarter excavated at the site.
Ikarios House and Other Domestic Buildings
The Ikarios House is a large domestic building covering approximately 2,300 square meters with more than 30 rooms. It contains mosaics depicting rural life scenes, hunting, grape harvest, and mythological themes. Several other houses with mosaic pavements have been excavated in the residential areas, indicating a concentration of well-appointed private dwellings. These buildings date primarily to the 2nd century CE and show no evidence of major later reconstruction.
Aqueduct and Water Supply System
Uthina was supplied by an aqueduct system extending over several kilometers with two main branches. The aqueduct collected water from surrounding springs and fed multiple large cisterns distributed across the city. These include large public cisterns located southwest of the forum, a large cistern adjacent to the forum on its eastern side, and cisterns supplying the large public baths. The water infrastructure supported both public amenities and private residences, demonstrating advanced hydraulic engineering for the period.
Large Public Cisterns
Several large cisterns are preserved near the forum and to the southwest of the city. These cisterns were integral to the water storage system fed by the aqueduct. The large cistern bounding the forum on its eastern side is particularly notable. These structures are built of stone masonry and show vaulted roofing in some sections. They date to the Roman period and were maintained during the city’s occupation.
Fortress and Bridge
Remains of a fortress are present on the site, though details regarding its size and architectural layout remain limited. The fortress likely served a defensive function during late antiquity or the Byzantine period. A bridge is also mentioned among the ruins, but no detailed description or substantial remains have been documented. Both structures are fragmentary and require further study.
Other Remains
Additional infrastructural elements include surface traces of cisterns, aqueduct ruins, and water storage facilities scattered throughout the site. Numerous mosaics have been found in public buildings, villas, and baths, with themes ranging from mythological scenes to rural life and marine imagery. Many original mosaics are preserved in the National Bardo Museum, with copies displayed on site. Inscriptions bearing family names such as Laberii and Industrius have been recovered from mosaic pavements and other contexts.
Archaeological Discoveries
Excavations at Uthina have uncovered a variety of artifacts spanning from the Punic period through the Byzantine and early Islamic phases. Pottery includes locally produced tableware and amphorae, with some imported wares identified. Numerous inscriptions have been found, including dedicatory texts and family names, providing insight into civic and private life. Coins from various Roman emperors have been recovered, aiding in dating occupation phases.
Tools related to agriculture and crafts have been documented, alongside domestic objects such as lamps and cooking vessels. Religious artifacts include statuettes and altars associated with the Capitoline temple complex. Mosaics, often depicting mythological and natural themes, are a prominent category of finds, reflecting artistic production and domestic decoration. These artifacts have been recovered from domestic quarters, public buildings, baths, and street layers, illustrating a diverse material culture.
Preservation and Current Status
The amphitheater is among the best-preserved structures, with substantial portions of its seating, vaults, and underground galleries stabilized and partially restored. The Capitol temple complex retains standing columns and vaulted podium chambers, though much of the superstructure is fragmentary. The large public baths survive as partial ruins, with hypocaust systems and mosaic floors visible in some areas. Private residences retain mosaic pavements and structural walls, though many are fragmentary.
Conservation efforts have focused on stabilizing exposed ruins and facilitating archaeological research. Some mosaics have been removed for preservation and are housed in the National Bardo Museum, with replicas displayed on site. Environmental factors such as erosion and vegetation growth pose ongoing challenges. Excavations continue under the supervision of Tunisian heritage authorities, with international collaboration supporting restoration and study. Certain areas remain stabilized but not fully restored to preserve archaeological integrity.
Unexcavated Areas
Several parts of the ancient city remain unexcavated or poorly studied. Surface surveys and geophysical studies suggest buried remains in residential districts and peripheral zones. The fortress and bridge areas require further investigation to clarify their extent and function. Urban sectors beyond the main monumental core have not been systematically excavated, limiting understanding of the full city layout.
Future excavations are planned but constrained by conservation policies and modern land use. Some areas are protected to prevent damage to subsurface remains. Research continues to prioritize key monuments and infrastructure, with potential for expanded study as resources permit.
