Mididi
Henchir el Medeina · Mididi of Byzacena · Medeina
Numidian to Byzantine (3rd c. BCE–7th c. CE)·Numidian / Roman·🇹🇳 Kairouan Governorate, Dahmani–El Ala, Tunisia
About
About Mididi
Byzacena inland civitas Mididi at Henchir el Medeina, known for its 2nd-c. arch of Antoninus Pius, pagan-Christian cemetery with mosaics, and Saturn sanctuary with 200+ stelae. Olive press batteries (12) illustrate Africa's oil boom.
Why it mattersClassic inland oil town illustrating Byzacena's agrarian economy.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Arch's dedicator identity fragmentary
- 02Saturn sanctuary layout
Theories
- 01Oil presses fed Sufetula export (Hitchner)
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 hillfort; Roman civitas 1st c. CE; arch 148 CE
- Period
- Numidian to Byzantine (3rd c. BCE–7th c. CE)
- Culture
- Numidian / Roman
- Purpose
- Olive oil processing town on Mididi–Sbeitla plain
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
3rd c. BCE
Numidian oppidum
148 CE
Arch of Antoninus Pius dedicated
3rd c. CE
Peak oil press installation (12 presses)
6th c. CE
Basilica built over forum
On the ground
Structures & features
35.2500° N · 9.4500° E · 520 m · 2 mapped features
Arch of Antoninus Pius (Mididi)
archHonorific arch 9 m span, inscription to Antoninus Pius 148 CE
35.2510° N · 9.4515° ESaturn Sanctuary of Mididi
sanctuaryOpen sanctuary with 200+ votive stelae
35.2490° N · 9.4490° E