Aunobaris (Henchir Bir el-Achour)
Aunobaris · Aunobaritanus · Henchir Bir el-Achour
Roman to Byzantine (1st c.–7th c. CE)·Numidian / Roman-Christian·🇹🇳 Siliana Governorate, Bargou–Siliana hills, Henchir Bir el-Achour / Aïn Achour, Tunisia
About
About Aunobaris (Henchir Bir el-Achour)
Episcopal see in Proconsularis valley, Aunobaris spreads over spring (Bir el-Achour) with church (three aisles, baptismal font with chi-rho), press courtyard (8 screw weights), and hilltop castellum. Council of 411 lists bishop Pudentianus. Altars to Saturn (Ba'al Hammon) with stelae show syncretism. Spring aqueduct 1.2 km with specus.
Why it mattersSaturn-to-Christian continuity and hydraulic village model for Tell uplands.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Saturn sanctuary phasing
- 02Spring discharge history
Theories
- 01Benabès syncretism model
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Libyan hamlet; Roman vicus; bishopric 411 CE
- Period
- Roman to Byzantine (1st c.–7th c. CE)
- Culture
- Numidian / Roman-Christian
- Builders
- Numidian / Roman
- Purpose
- Spring sanctuary and later bishopric governing Siliana vale
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
1st c. CE
Vicus attested
411 CE
Bishop at Conference of Carthage
6th c. CE
Basilica and castellum repair
On the ground
Structures & features
36.1745° N · 9.0745° E · 420 m · 2 mapped features
Saturn Altar Field
sanctuary6 votive stelae to Saturn / Ba'al with ram sacrifices
36.1750° N · 9.0750° EBaptistery of Pudentianus
baptisteryOctagonal font with chi-rho and Donatist inscription
36.1740° N · 9.0740° E