Cave of Tana-Chott
Moche (100–800 CE)·Moche·🇹🇳 Kairouan Governorate, Tunisia
About
About Cave of Tana-Chott
Cave of Tana-Chott in Kairouan Governorate, Tunisia is a Moche (100–800 CE) cave attributed to Moche culture. Systematically investigated through ground-penetrating radar and fieldwalking, it presents a central mound with necropolis. UNESCO World Heritage context. Construction employs ashlar with clamp and demonstrates distinct phasing. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Moche cave with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of monuments
- 02Astronomical alignment and orientation
Theories
- 01Elite residence and administrative centre
- 02Trading entrepôt and regional hub
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 446 CE
- Period
- Moche (100–800 CE)
- Culture
- Moche
- Purpose
- Necropolis and ritual
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 446 CE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 617 CE
Major enlargement and wall circuit added
c. 687 CE
Peak occupation and regional prominence
1960
Scientific excavation and conservation
On the ground
Structures & features
34.7960° N · 10.0835° E · 1841 m · 3 mapped features
Stela Alignment
necropolisHydraulic feature — cistern
34.7971° N · 10.0841° EBurial Cluster
enclosureHydraulic feature — canal
34.7960° N · 10.0831° EAncillary Complex
rock artOutlier feature with cup marks
34.7989° N · 10.0838° E