Aquae Regiae
Henchir Baboucha · Henchir Boucha
Numidian to Byzantine (2nd c. BCE–7th c. CE)·Numidian / Roman·🇹🇳 Zaghouan Governorate, Majaz al Bab, Tunisia
About
About Aquae Regiae
Roman road station Aquae Regiae at Henchir Baboucha, famed for hot springs feeding a 1st-c. bath complex (400 m²) and nymphaeum. Bishopric in 411 conference. Fortified Byzantine granary fort (200×150 m) protected the Majerda valley route.
Why it mattersType-site for African thermal baths and Byzantine granary limes.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Spring's original Numidian deity
- 02Fort granary capacity
Theories
- 01Hateful springs attracted road traffic
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Numidian spring shrine; Roman baths 1st c. CE
- Period
- Numidian to Byzantine (2nd c. BCE–7th c. CE)
- Culture
- Numidian / Roman
- Purpose
- Thermal baths and granary fortress on Carthage–Theveste road
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
2nd c. BCE
Numidian spring shrine
1st c. CE
Roman bath complex built
411 CE
Bishop Adelfius at Conference of Carthage
6th c. CE
Byzantine fort 200×150 m built
On the ground
Structures & features
36.5281° N · 9.8861° E · 140 m · 2 mapped features
Thermal Baths of Aquae Regiae
bathsBath block 30×20 m with caldarium and frigidarium pools
36.5290° N · 9.8870° EByzantine Granary Fort of Aquae Regiae
fortressFort 200×150 m with corner towers and granary stores
36.5270° N · 9.8850° E