Tunisia - Dougga

Dougga is one of the most important archaeological sites in Tunisia having numerous well-preserved temples representing a variety of periods dating from the reign of Massinissa of the IIIrd century BC. The program: “Religious architecture of Dougga” has the vocation to study these monuments by measuring them accurately, studying the scattered blocks and ones with inscriptions and also by making necessary archaeological checking. The architectural restitution of each of these temples are studied. The number and variety of all these cases lead to further methodical thought related to architectural restitution. This research enables to propose complete records (measurements, photographs, descriptions, analyses and restitution) which will be useful for future publications i.e. to finalise the present work taking place in the site. The pluridiciplinary team ensures during the course of filed work the formation of young Tunisian specialists. The measurements of the monuments in the ancient city taken by the I.N.P. (National Institute for Patrimony) through out the year, enable to replace the temples studied by us in an urban context. Up to today, more than a half of the monuments are studied. It is much necessary to carry-out this work because the Roman architecture in Africa has not drawn attention in recent years, in spite of the remarkable state of preservation of these buildings. The synthesis of the data provided by the measurements, studies of epigraphy and archaeology fills the gap caused by the lack of knowledge of these religious monuments. The program devoted to religious architecture is benefited by the contributions made by previous programs and all the doctoral theses and diplomas undertaken by the members of the team.