Uchi Maius (Henchir Douamis)
Uchi Maius · Henchir Douamis · Henchir-Ed-Douamès
Numidian to Late Antique (5th c. BCE–7th c. CE)·Numidian / Roman (Africa Proconsularis)·🇹🇳 Béja Governorate, Djebba-Beja road, Henchir Douamis hill, Tunisia
About
About Uchi Maius (Henchir Douamis)
Twin-peaked hill town above the Oued Khalled, Uchi Maius was a Libyan oppidum (castellum) promoted to colonia under Severus Alexander. Extramural Dougga survey exposed forum with dual temples (Capitol and Caelestis), arch of Severus Alexander, extensive cisterns (600 m³), church with Donatist epitaphs, and tophet fringe. Italian-Tunisian excavations (Khanoussi 1994–present) exposed 2 km aqueduct. Olive presses and kilns attest rural surplus.
Why it mattersKey upland colonization sequence from Numidian oppidum to Severan colonia with intact water system.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Aqueduct source and gradient
- 02Tophet extent beneath forum
Theories
- 01Italian-Tunisian Severan urbanism model
- 02Donatist church schism attribution
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Libyan oppidum 5th c. BCE; colonia 232 CE (Severus Alexander)
- Period
- Numidian to Late Antique (5th c. BCE–7th c. CE)
- Culture
- Numidian / Roman (Africa Proconsularis)
- Builders
- Numidian / Roman (Severus Alexander)
- Purpose
- Severan colonia and upland olive centre controlling Beja–Dougga road
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
5th c. BCE
Numidian citadel
232 CE
Colonia under Severus Alexander
3rd c. CE
Arch and forum built
5th–6th c. CE
Christian basilicas and fort
On the ground
Structures & features
36.4112° N · 9.0843° E · 380 m · 2 mapped features
Arch of Severus Alexander
archSingle-bay ashlar arch 11 m high on summit road
36.4118° N · 9.0849° EAqueduct and Cisterns
hydraulic2 km aqueduct feeding 600 m³ vaulted cisterns and baths
36.4105° N · 9.0835° E