Uzappa (Ksour Abd el Melk)
Uzappa · Ksour Abd el Melk · Henchir Ksour
Roman to Byzantine (1st–7th c CE)·Roman / Byzantine·🇹🇳 Kairouan Governorate, Dorsal foothills south of Kairouan, Tunisia
About
About Uzappa (Ksour Abd el Melk)
Dorsal pass town with Byzantine fortress reusing temple blocks, forum and basilica; controls Kairouan–Gafsa road. Recorded context — Period: Roman to Byzantine (1st–7th c CE); Culture: Roman / Byzantine; Field status: partially excavated; Materials: limestone, sandstone; Condition: fortress walls 5 m, gate and basilica.
Why it mattersKey Roman to Byzantine (1st–7th c CE) site illustrating Roman / Byzantine urbanism and dorsal pass control and olive market.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Uzappa bishop list continuity
Theories
- 01Pringle limes fort 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
- Roman vicus 1st c CE; Byzantine fortress 6th c
- Period
- Roman to Byzantine (1st–7th c CE)
- Culture
- Roman / Byzantine
- Builders
- Roman
- Purpose
- Dorsal pass control and olive market
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
Roman vicus 1st c CE; Byzantine fortress 6th c
Initial construction / foundation
20th century
Modern archaeological survey and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
35.3800° N · 9.8200° E · 250 m · 3 mapped features
- Uzappa (Ksour Abd el Melk) — Principal GategateMain gate and rampart section at Uzappa (Ksour Abd el Melk)35.3806° N · 9.8206° E
- Uzappa (Ksour Abd el Melk) — Central Forum/BasilicaforumForum–basilica complex at Uzappa (Ksour Abd el Melk)35.3800° N · 9.8200° E
- Uzappa (Ksour Abd el Melk) — Baths/CisternsbathsBaths and cistern cluster at Uzappa (Ksour Abd el Melk)35.3794° N · 9.8194° E