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The choice of site, on a steeply sloping hillside (hence the town's name, from tukka, a sheer rock), suggests that this, like Sicca Veneria (Le Kef) and Bulla Regia, was a Numidian foundation. In the 2nd century B.C. the settlement was enlarged by the Numidian king Masinissa to form a royal residence. The remains of megalithic walls, a temple of Baal, dolmen tombs and a Numidian mausoleum date from this period.
Around 105 B.C. the first Romans settled round the town, which according to the Greek historian Diodorus Siculus (1st century B.C.) was already "large and handsome". In 46 B.C. Caesar incorporated the town in the province of Africa Nova. The Numidian settlement on the hill remained, while the Romans settled in the plain below. In the course of time the two settlements amalgamated and in A.D. 205 the town was raised to the status of a municipium and all its free citizens were granted Roman citizenship. In 261, when Thugga was renamed Colonia Licinia, the city was at the peak of its development. From this period date most of its magnificent public buildings, financed by wealthy Roman landowners, as well as the many private houses of which remains survive. It was during this period that the town prospered with around 5000 residents.
Decline set in at the end of the 3rd century. Under Byzantine rule the town was fortified, using stone from ancient buildings but was later abandoned. Later still, refugees from Andalusia settled in the area and re-established the cultivation of olives.
The site was rediscovered in the 17th century and people continued to live among the ruins until the early 1950's when they were moved to nearby Nouvelle Dougga (New Dougga). Excavation began in 1899 and is still continuing as, when I was there, a few places were being excavated and rebuilt. It was granted a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.
Written Aug 29, 2008
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If you go off season you may be lucky enough to have the place to yourselves like we did. Aside from the pesky guides that is. Just give them some money and they'll go away. Alternatively if you are in a big group you can split up into small groups and try to outwit them. Good luck
Written Oct 10, 2005
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This picture was taken from the center of the theater. It shows one of the two central stair-cases that allowed to reach the tiers. The lower entrance is flanked with engraved stones. The upper entrance, though in poor condition is still standing.
Written Jan 9, 2005
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The theater has been undergoing repairs for decades. If you compare this picture with some of the previous ones, taken about 5 years earlier, you can notice that the lowest tiers have been rebuilt. I guess that more has now been done. In July and August, during the Dougga Festival, classical dramas are performed in the theater and day trips are organized from Tunis.
Written Jan 9, 2005
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This part of the theater, with its columns, has not been subjected to any repair, except for security reasons, in order to avoid any stone to fall inadvertently on visitors ! On the contrary, the scene has been completely rebuild with the original stones and using the same techniques as the Romans used, in order to allow an actual use as a scene.
Written Jan 9, 2005
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The theater of Dougga is one of the best preserved of Roman Africa. Moreover, it has been in permanent repair for the last 50 years. These repairs allow it not only to stand as a testimony of the genius of the Romans as builders but also to work as an actual theater.
Written Jan 9, 2005
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The theater of Dougga could accommodate an audience of 3,500 which means that it is not one of the largest of Roman Africa but there are 2 theaters in Dougga and the city had never more than 5,000 inhabitants, which explains its modest size.
Written Jan 9, 2005
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There remain most of the columns from the temple of Caelestis, heir of Tanit, the major goddess of Carthage. It seems that the temple of Caelestis was later alloted by the Romans to Junon or better Caelestis and Junon were considered as two names for the same goddess..
Written Jan 9, 2005
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Some mosaics remain visible around the site of Dougga, although most of the best preserved examples have now been moved to the Bardo museum in Tunis. This one, of a relatively plain design, is inside the Licinian Baths.
Written Jan 9, 2005
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At the entrance of the latrine, a stone washbasin is standing, awaiting for visitors to wash their hands (when going IN or OUT ? I hope it was in AND out). If it were to be polished, its style would fit perfectly in many modern bathrooms ! Isn't that amazing ?
Written Jan 9, 2005
Reviews and photos of Dougga attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Dougga sightseeing.
At the entrance of the latrine, a stone washbasin is standing, awaiting for visitors to wash their hands (when going IN or OUT ? I hope it was in AND out). If...
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Dougga, another World Heritage location
Dougga is situated on the hills that face the rich Medjerda valley, one of the main wheat purveyors of Rome. It is about 550 meters above the sea level, 100 km away from Tunis and as the road is very...
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Dougga - A Roman town with a view
Dougga (or Thugga as it's sometimes known), is the best preserved Roman city in Africa. It's set in a beautiful picturesque setting, surrounded by pastureland and olive-groves over rolling hills in......
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This was a great place to visit (aside from the annoying guides). Fellow VTer JLBG has a great page that explains all the historical aspects etc. Check it out. After spending time on the crowded...
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JUST WHAT DOUGGA IS - OFFICIAL DESCRIPTION Thugga - modern Dougga: the best-preserved ancient Roman city in modern Tunisia, located near modern Tabursuq, west of the ancient road between Carthage and...
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Far from big cities, but worth a stop, because...
... the ruins in Dougga are unique. The site is huge and takes your breath away.
Build your own Dougga page
