Gasr Isawi
Qsar Isawi · Garum? Oea hinterland fort
Roman Tripolitania (2nd–7th c. CE)·Roman (Tripolitanian Lim.·🇱🇾 Tripolitania, Tarhouna, Gasr Isawi, Libya
About
About Gasr Isawi
Hilltop centenarium Gasr Isawi (60×40 m) in Tarhouna massif, example of UNESCO Libyan Valleys fortified farms. Two-storey courtyard fort with cisterns, oil press and ostraca archive. Controlled Tarhuna olive terraces.
Why it mattersType-site for Libyan Valleys survey centenaria.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Ostraca archive translation incomplete
- 02Terrace wall dating
Theories
- 01Hilltop forts as estate centres (Mattingly)
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Severan centenarium c. 200 CE
- Period
- Roman Tripolitania (2nd–7th c. CE)
- Culture
- Roman (Tripolitanian Lim.
- Purpose
- Olive estate fortified farm
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 200 CE
Centenarium built under Septimius Severus
4th c. CE
Press installed and ostraca archive
6th c. CE
Byzantine watchtower phase
On the ground
Structures & features
32.4500° N · 13.6500° E · 380 m · 2 mapped features
Courtyard Fort of Gasr Isawi
fortressCentenarium 60×40 m with courtyard and corner towers
32.4510° N · 13.6510° EOil Press of Gasr Isawi
industrialLever press with counterweight and settling vats
32.4490° N · 13.6490° E
Gallery