Uchi Minus (Henchir Rhar ez-Zaatli)
Uchi Minus · Henchir Rhar ez-Zaatli · Henchir Sidi Ahmed
Roman (1st c. BCE–6th c. CE)·Numidian / Roman·🇹🇳 Béja Governorate, 6 km NE of Uchi Maius, Wadi Rhar ez-Zaatli, Tunisia
About
About Uchi Minus (Henchir Rhar ez-Zaatli)
Satellite castellum to Uchi Maius, Uchi Minus occupies a low ridge commanding the Khalled tributary. Small forum with slender Corinthian capitals, single-nave church reusing architraves, necropolis with dolmen-like haouanet cut in sandstone, and press complex (12 lever holes). Epigraphy records civitas Ucchi Minorem (CIL VIII 15495). Survey by Ferchiou shows 8 ha scatter and intact enceinte (2 m).
Why it mattersComparative pair with Uchi Maius illuminates Numidian settlement hierarchy and Dougga territorium.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronological offset from Uchi Maius
- 02Hauonet reuse
Theories
- 01Ferchiou territorium model
- 02Hitchner olive intensification
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 castellum; civitas under Trajan–Hadrian
- Period
- Roman (1st c. BCE–6th c. CE)
- Culture
- Numidian / Roman
- Purpose
- Satellite civitas and oil-press village servicing Dougga hinterland
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
1st c. BCE
Castellum documented
c.120 CE
Civitas status
4th c. CE
Church built over press house
On the ground
Structures & features
36.4385° N · 9.1220° E · 310 m · 2 mapped features
Haouanet Necropolis
necropolisRock-cut chamber tombs (haouanet) in sandstone ridge
36.4392° N · 9.1235° ELever Press Complex
press12 press beds and counterweights in olive yard
36.4378° N · 9.1210° E