Dougga

Dougga, also known as Thugga, is an archaeological site in northern Tunisia that preserves the ruins of an ancient Punic city later developed as a Roman settlement. It is situated near the town of Téboursouk in the Béja Governorate and is regarded as one of the most complete and best-preserved examples of a Punic and Roman city in North Africa. The site sits on a hillside overlooking surrounding olive groves and valleys, offering a clear view of its urban planning and monumental architecture.

Historically, Dougga began as a Punic settlement and expanded under Roman rule, ultimately becoming a prosperous urban center in the province of Africa. Its major public monuments and domestic architecture date mainly to the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, with continued occupation into late antiquity. The city declined in the later centuries but left a substantial and coherent architectural record that provides insight into Roman town planning, architecture, and daily life in North Africa.

Key features of Dougga include the Capitol temple complex, temples dedicated to Bacchus and Saturn, a large theatre, a public forum and baths, a civic basilica, and well-preserved houses with mosaics. The site also contains inscriptions and inscriptions in Latin and Punic, and it demonstrates a sophisticated hydraulic and urban infrastructure.

Dougga was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 for its exceptional preservation of a Punic and Roman urban landscape and its importance for understanding the cultural history of North Africa. It remains a major archaeological focus and a popular destination for visitors and researchers.