Madauros (M'Daourouch) – University City of Apuleius
Madauros · Madaura · M'Daourouch
Numidian / Roman·Romano-Berber·🇩🇿 Souk Ahras Province, High Plains near Tunisia border, Algeria
About
About Madauros (M'Daourouch) – University City of Apuleius
High-plateau Roman university town famed as birthplace of Apuleius (Golden Ass) and Augustine's school. Gridded colonia with forum, theatre, baths, Byzantine fortress and 2nd-c Christian basilica with 3 aisles.
Why it mattersSignificant regional centre illustrating cultural transition.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology refinement
- 02Function of enclosures
Theories
- 01Trade corridor 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
- Berber hill village; Roman colonia Flavia Veteranorum under Flavians c.75 CE; peak 2nd–4th c
- Period
- Numidian / Roman
- Culture
- Romano-Berber
- Purpose
- Regional centre / fortified town and trade node
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
Berber hill village; Roman colonia Flavia Veteranorum under Flavians c.75 CE; peak 2nd–4th c
Initial construction
c. 1449 CE
Major expansion
On the ground
Structures & features
36.0793° N · 7.9012° E · 1030 m · 3 mapped features
Theatre of Madauros
theatreHillside theatre 40 m diam
36.0798° N · 7.9015° EBasilica of Madauros
basilicaThree-aisled basilica with mosaic chancel
36.0789° N · 7.9008° EByzantine Fortress (Qasr)
fortressSquare fort 30×30 m reusing theatre blocks
36.0785° N · 7.9018° E