Columbia Students Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dougga
As part of their journey throughout Tunisia, the Kraft Fellows ventured beyond the capital city to explore other ancient sites rich in cultural heritage. Their exploration led them to Dougga, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the northwest region of the country. They uncovered the remnants of a once-thriving city, offering a window into Tunisia's ancient past.
Before coming under Roman control, Dougga / Thugga, situated atop an elevated site with commanding views of a fertile plain, served as a major hub of a Libyco-Punic state in Numidia. Flourishing particularly during Roman and Byzantine governance, the town witnessed a period of prosperity. However, its fortunes waned during the Islamic era. The remarkable ruins that remain today offer glimpses into the wealth and resources of a small Roman town situated on the outskirts of the empire.
Upon their arrival in Dougga, the students encountered the remains of a complete ancient city, spanning over 17 centuries of history and blending various cultural influences, including Numidian, Punic, and Roman. They observed how Roman structures seamlessly integrated into the predominantly Numidian urban landscape, reflecting the city's rich and diverse heritage. Despite its lesser prominence in the Roman province of Africa, Dougga boasted an impressive array of public buildings, mainly dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D.
The group proceeded along Dougga's primary east-west thoroughfare to gain insight into daily life during Roman times. Flanked by shops, temples, and public buildings, this ancient street provided a window into the activities that once animated its bustling lanes, ranging from trade to religious activities.
Concluding their tour, the fellows visited the Temples of Saturn and the Capitoline Triad and stopped by the Libyco-Punic Mausoleum, a monument dating back to the 2nd century BC. With its unique three-tiered structure topped with a lion statue, this pre-Roman marvel provided a fascinating glimpse into the region's ancient civilization before Roman rule.
