Bulla Regia
BĂ©ja
Bulla Regia is a remarkable archaeological site located near present-day Jendouba in Tunisia. It was originally a Berber settlement that later became a Punic and then a Roman town, known especially for its innovative semi-subterranean houses constructed during the Hadrianic era. These underground homes were designed to protect inhabitants from the intense heat of the region, featuring a ground-level storey open to winter sun and a subterranean level built around a two-story atrium. The site preserves some of the finest Roman mosaics in North Africa, notable for their subtle colors, shading, and three-dimensional modeling, with famous examples like the mosaic of Amphitrite. Bulla Regia also contains important public buildings such as a basilica with apses at both ends and a small amphitheater, which remained well-preserved due to being buried until modern excavations. The town was historically significant as the Numidian capital under King Masinissa and later elevated to a Roman colony under Emperor Hadrian. Today, visitors can explore the archaeological ruins, view mosaics in situ, and visit a small museum connected to the site, which also houses artifacts like a temple capital of Tanit. Restoration efforts have preserved the Roman drainage system and the unique architecture, offering a vivid glimpse into ancient urban life in North Africa.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Bulla Regia is during the cooler months to avoid the intense heat. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure entry. Guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the unique underground houses and mosaics. Discounts may be available for students and seniors. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven archaeological terrain and bring water and sun protection.
Faits intéressants
- •Bulla Regia’s underground houses were designed to protect inhabitants from intense heat using a two-level design with a subterranean floor.
- •Many mosaics remain in their original locations, showcasing North Africa’s finest Roman mosaic art.
- •The town was the capital of Numidia under King Masinissa and was later named Colonia Aelia Hadriana Augusta Bulla Regia under Emperor Hadrian.
- •An earthquake destroyed much of the town, collapsing upper floors into the underground spaces, which helped preserve the mosaics.
- •The site’s amphitheater remained buried until the 1960s, preserving its original structure and steps.
Histoire
Bulla Regia began as a Berber settlement before becoming a Punic town under Carthaginian control in the 3rd century BC, where local inhabitants worshipped Baal Hammon.
It became the Numidian capital under King Masinissa in 156 BC, who imposed a Hellenistic orthogonal grid street plan.
The Romans took direct control in 46 BC, granting it free city status, and later under Emperor Hadrian, it was elevated to a Roman colony with full citizenship rights.
The town gradually declined under Byzantine rule and was eventually destroyed by an earthquake that collapsed its upper floors into the subterranean levels.
The site was forgotten until rediscovered and excavated starting in 1906, with major archaeological work revealing its unique underground architecture and mosaics.
Guide du lieu
House of the Hunt4th century
A notable domus featuring a basilica layout with apses, a transept, and spaces resembling a church nave, illustrating the blend of public and private architecture in the late Roman period.
House of AmphitriteHadrianic era
Famous for its exquisite mosaic depicting Amphitrite with a halo, showcasing exceptional three-dimensional modeling and subtle color shading.
Roman BasilicaLate Roman period
A public basilica with apses at both ends and a cruciform baptismal font at the rear center, reflecting early Christian architectural adaptations.
Small AmphitheaterRoman period
A well-preserved amphitheater buried until the 1960s, retaining sharp edges and steps, once criticized by Augustine of Hippo.
Contact
Téléphone: 96 014 141