Necropolis of Manton
Manton
Chalcolithic (4500–3300 BCE)·Chalcolithic·🇹🇳 Kairouan Governorate, Tunisia
About
About Necropolis of Manton
Necropolis of Manton in Kairouan Governorate, Tunisia is a Chalcolithic (4500–3300 BCE) necropolis attributed to Chalcolithic culture. Systematically investigated through magnetometry and coring, it presents a principal enclosure with ancillary settlement. UNESCO World Heritage context. Construction employs mudbrick on stone socle and demonstrates distinct phasing. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Chalcolithic necropolis with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Long-distance exchange networks
- 02Chronology and phasing of monuments
Theories
- 01Defensive refuge and tribal capital
- 02Ceremonial centre and pilgrimage focus
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 3446 BCE
- Period
- Chalcolithic (4500–3300 BCE)
- Culture
- Chalcolithic
- Purpose
- Agricultural and hydraulic
- Excavation
- Unexcavated
c. 3446 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 2646 BCE
Major expansion and monumental elaboration
c. 814 BCE
Rebuilding and fortification phase
1999
Modern archaeological excavation and survey
On the ground
Structures & features
35.6599° N · 11.3257° E · 295 m · 4 mapped features
Granary Cluster
gatewayOutlier feature with alignments
35.6622° N · 11.3256° ERock Art Panel
platformBurial zone — tumuli
35.6612° N · 11.3254° ENecropolis Extension
courtyardBurial zone — tumuli
35.6575° N · 11.3247° EStela Alignment
ditchAncillary settlement associated with main monument
35.6622° N · 11.3275° E