Thubunae (Barika) – Hodna Basin Fort
Thubunae · Tobna · Barika
Roman to Byzantine (1st–7th c CE)·Roman / Byzantine (Numidia)·🇩🇿 Batna Province, Hodna Basin, 80 km south of Batna, Algeria
About
About Thubunae (Barika) – Hodna Basin Fort
Southernmost Numidian walled town 32 ha facing Hodna chott, Thubunae dominates Sahara margin with 1.8 km circuit and Donatist basilica; 411 Conference bishop list. Recorded context — Period: Roman to Byzantine (1st–7th c CE); Culture: Roman / Byzantine (Numidia); Field status: partially excavated; Materials: limestone, sandstone; Condition: wall trace, two basilicas, arch.
Why it mattersKey Roman to Byzantine (1st–7th c CE) site illustrating Roman / Byzantine (Numidia) urbanism and southern frontier town facing hodna sahara; ecclesiastical centre.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Donatist vs Catholic basilica identification
Theories
- 01Dispersed frontier bishopric 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
- Legionary outpost 1st c CE; walled town 3rd c
- Period
- Roman to Byzantine (1st–7th c CE)
- Culture
- Roman / Byzantine (Numidia)
- Builders
- Roman
- Purpose
- Southern frontier town facing Hodna Sahara; ecclesiastical centre
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
Legionary outpost 1st c CE; walled town 3rd c
Initial construction / foundation
20th century
Modern archaeological survey and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
35.3500° N · 5.3700° E · 420 m · 3 mapped features
- Thubunae (Barika) — Principal GategateMain gate and rampart section at Thubunae (Barika) – Hodna Basin Fort35.3506° N · 5.3706° E
- Thubunae (Barika) — Central Forum/BasilicaforumForum–basilica complex at Thubunae (Barika) – Hodna Basin Fort35.3500° N · 5.3700° E
- Thubunae (Barika) — Baths/CisternsbathsBaths and cistern cluster at Thubunae (Barika) – Hodna Basin Fort35.3494° N · 5.3694° E
Gallery