Abthugni
Henchir es Souar · Henchir Esch Schorr · Abthugnenses
Numidian to Vandal (3rd c. BCE–5th c. CE)·Numidian / Roman / Christian·🇹🇳 Zaghouan Governorate, Saouar, Tunisia
About
About Abthugni
Municipium Abthugni at Henchir es Souar, with 1st-c. capitol, theatre (1500 seats) and controversial early Christian martyr basilica (Martyrdom of Abthugni 303 CE). Circus 300 m and Saturn temple with 50 stelae. Road station between Carthage and Sufetula.
Why it mattersEpicentre of Donatist schism (Abthugni persecution 303).
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Martyrdom location exact
- 02Theatre's pre-Roman phase
Theories
- 01Schism rooted in traditor controversy at Abthugni
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Phoenician oppidum; municipium under Augustus
- Period
- Numidian to Vandal (3rd c. BCE–5th c. CE)
- Culture
- Numidian / Roman / Christian
- Purpose
- Market town and early Christian diocese
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
3rd c. BCE
Numidian oppidum
27 BCE
Augustan municipium
303 CE
Abthugni martyr crisis (Donatist schism origin)
4th c. CE
Basilica built over martyr shrine
On the ground
Structures & features
36.1977° N · 10.0089° E · 180 m · 2 mapped features
Theatre of Abthugni
theatreRoman theatre 45 m diameter with pulpitum
36.1985° N · 10.0095° EMartyr Basilica of Abthugni
basilicaEarly Christian basilica over martyr shrine, mosaics
36.1970° N · 10.0080° E