Uzappa
Henchir Smala · Uzappa of Byzacena
Roman (1st–7th c. CE)·Roman / Byzantine·🇹🇳 Sidi Bouzid Governorate, near Jelma, Tunisia
About
About Uzappa
Large Byzacena colonia Uzappa at Henchir Smala, with circus (350×80 m) and amphitheatre, imperial estates saltus. Christian basilica with 12 mosaic panels. Peak 3rd–4th c. oil export. Recorded context — Period: Roman (1st–7th c. CE); Culture: Roman / Byzantine; Field status: partially excavated; Materials: limestone, earth embankment, mosaic; Condition: earthworks visible — circus embankments 3 m.
Why it mattersOne of three Byzacena cities with circus, showing imperial largesse on saltus.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Circus spina alignment
- 02Saltus boundary stones
Theories
- 01Imperial estate games funded by oil (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
- Colonia under Trajan c. 100 CE
- Period
- Roman (1st–7th c. CE)
- Culture
- Roman / Byzantine
- Purpose
- Imperial estate centre for oil and games
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 100 CE
Colonia founded under Trajan
2nd c. CE
Circus and amphitheatre built
4th c. CE
Basilica mosaics laid
647 CE
Abandonment after Arab conquest
On the ground
Structures & features
35.2800° N · 9.6200° E · 480 m · 2 mapped features