Sufes
Sbiba · Sufes of Byzacena · Henchir Sbiba
Numidian to Islamic (2nd c. BCE–7th c. CE)·Numidian / Roman / Byzantine·🇹🇳 Kasserine Governorate, Sbiba, Tunisia
About
About Sufes
Hilltop Byzacena municipium at Sbiba, with 168 CE capitol temple, Byzantine citadel reusing temple podium, iron slag heaps and 6th-c. basilica with donor mosaics. Stelae to Saturn show Libyco-Punic syncretism. Key 647 CE battle site (Gregory vs Abdallah).
Why it mattersType site for Saturn stelae and Byzantine reuse of capitol.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Iron mine galleries extent
- 02Whether 647 battle at Sufes or Sbeitla
Theories
- 01Iron wealth funded capitol (M'Charek)
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Numidian oppidum; municipium under Hadrian c. 125 CE
- Period
- Numidian to Islamic (2nd c. BCE–7th c. CE)
- Culture
- Numidian / Roman / Byzantine
- Purpose
- Iron mining centre and road station on Sufes–Sbeitla route
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
2nd c. BCE
Numidian oppidum
c. 125 CE
Municipium charter under Hadrian
168 CE
Capitol temple built (dedication)
647 CE
Battle of Sufetula-Sufes (Arab conquest)
On the ground
Structures & features
35.5467° N · 9.0736° E · 730 m · 2 mapped features
Capitol Temple of Sufes
temple168 CE temple podium with 4 columns, dedication to Jupiter
35.5475° N · 9.0745° EByzantine Citadel of Sufes
fortress6th-c. quadriburgium reusing capitol blocks 80×60 m
35.5460° N · 9.0730° E