 Thuburbo Majus which was known as Colonia Julia Aurelia Commoda in the Roman times is located on the north of Tunisia. It was originally a Punic town which lies 60 Km southwest of Carthage. Later it was founded by Augustus in 27 BC and it became an important trade. During the excavation in this region, numerous Roman ruins were found like the Roman Capitol, Forum, Baths and theaters, which are worth watching on your visit to Thuburbo Majus.
Capitol
On the northwest side of the Forum is the Capitol in Thuburbo Majus which was built in 168 CE. The podium on which the capitol stands features three channels of massive blocks of dressed stone. The podium was the house to the temple treasury. A flight of 15 stairs will lead you to four re-structured Corinthian columns of 28ft high made of Carrara marble. The cella which supposedly bears the statues of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva was not found during the excavations. However, the 7 meter statue of Jupiter which was found is displayed in the Bardo Museum. From the Capitol you can have a good view of the ancient city.
Cistern and the Amphitheater
At the foothill in Thuburbo Majus, you will find the remains of the cisterns which is located 200 meters south of the Temple of Ceres. The cisterns were used for supplying water to the town. Farther away is the ruin of an amphitheater which is in dilapidated condition.
El Fahs
El Fahs is the nearest town to Thuburbo Majus which is 3 Km away. The town holds a weekly market which has the objects preferred by the tourists.
Excavations
The excavation site in Thuburbo Majus with its entrance on the northern side of the site is open from the morning to the sunset.
Forum
The Forum in Thuburbo Majus which measures 49 meter is a square structure with a paved area was constructed between 161 and 192 A.D. The pavement has its three sides featuring a Corinthian portico which has the records inscribed in it. The inscription tells about the period of construction and renovation of the Forum. It was restored in 376 A.D.
Ksar Lemsa
Ksar Lemsa in Thuburbo Majus is a Byzantine fortress which was constructed on Roma settlements. Constructed in between 560 A.D. and 600 A.D., Ksar Lemsa is the most well-preserved fortress in Tunisia. The structure which lies 42 Km away south of Thuburbo Majus which is square in plan has towers on each corner.
Market
The ancient market of Thuburbo Majus which was built in the later-half of the 2nd century and in the early-half of the 3rd century featured three courtyards, two of which were pillared. The courtyard without pillars had shops on its three sides.
Palaestra of the Petronii
The Palaestra of the Petronii in Thuburbo Majus was built by Petronius Felix and his sons in 225 A.D. The Palaestra is a square courtyard which features Corinthian portico all around. Some part of architrave feature attractive plamette and flower ornament which has been preserved.
Summer Baths
There were two sets of baths- the Winter Baths and the Summer Baths located on the east and south-west of the Palaestra in Thuburbo Majus, respectively. The Summer Bath which covers an area of 30, 000 sq. ft. featured beautiful mosaics and statues of Aesculapius, Hercules, Mercury and Venus which are now displayed in the Bardo National Museun in Tunis. The entrance leads you to the changing room, cold bath featuring three baths, warm room, sweat bath room and a hot room. Towards the north-west side of the baths, you will find a semicircular latrine. The columns which feature in the baths has beautiful carvings of an ear of corn, bunch of grapes and a pine tree.
Temple of Baal/ Temple de la Baalat
The Temple of Baal or Temple de la Baalat in Thuburbo Majus was constructed in the 2nd century A.D. The Temple of Baal is one of the best structures in Thuburbo Majus which is remarkably influenced by the Roman and Oriental style of architecture. The temple features a semi-circular courtyard with a portico with an angular outline. It is followed by a tiny temple erected on a podium.
Temple of Ceres
To the east of Temple of Baal you will find the Temple of Ceres in Thuburbo Majus. The temple was later converted to a three-aisle church, the cella of the temple was converted to baptistery and the forecourt into a cemetery.
Temple of Mercury
Temple of Mercury in Thuburbo Majus which was constructed in 211 is located on the south-west the Forum. The temple has a square courtyard with pillars and semi-circular corners.
Temple of Peace
You can find the Temple on the north-east corner of the Forum. The Temple of Peace in Thuburbo Majus features a large square with pillars all around. Ahead of it is a smaller cella. |