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Page 4 of 4
Palaestra of Petronii
Probably the most attractive structure at Thuburbo Majus, even more so
than the Capitol, is the Palaestra of Petronii. It dates back to 225
CE, being one of the later additions to the town during its heyday.
The
grounds were the gymnastics area, the place to perform the noble arts
of wrestling and boxing. Its location next to the Summer Baths is not
accidental
House of Neptune
The House of Neptune is noted for its vast rooms of excellent mosaics.
It is naturally closed for entry, but everything can be enjoyed from
short distance at all sides.
According
to my guide, the lower photo shows two fish, which was the symbol of
Neptune. Thuburbo Majus is about 50 km from the ocean.
Oil press
In
the cellar of the Capitol, and note that nowhere else in Tunisia is
there a remaining cellar in a capitol, the Byzantine built an oil
press. The quarters here were originally used as public baths, but easy
ways of making valuable products were of great importance to the far
poorer Byzantine civilization.
The
slap used to catch the oil is quite huge. Note that there is no hole in
the middle any pillar, so I didn't make out how the pressing process
for performed. Was it by hand, or was there another place where the
actual pressing was done?
Excavations
A 1916 excavation found a tetrastyle temple. The building was decorated with statues of Apollo, Venus, Silvanus, Bacchus, the Dioscuri, and a satyr. Three perfume vases showed dogs pursuing rabbits.
In 1920 an inscription found in Thuburbo Majus written in honor of C. Vettius Sabinianus proved that several other inscriptions bearing that name were referring to the same person.
Remains of the house of Bacchus and Ariadne dating back to the early 5th century were excavated in 1925.
Researchers found the town to be a valuable site, as evidence of food
preparation in a garden was discovered. Those and other finds point to
what daily life in ancient Rome might have been like. Mosaics found in
the town date to the late 4th century]. These mosaics depict items from nature, like a still life
arrangement of food items and a sea filled with fish as young people
fish from boats. Another mosaic represents a nude Venus riding a
chariot, with plant life surrounding her to represent well-being and
fertility.
This town does not have fully restored buildings, but there are
remains of a forum, the amphitheatre, temples, baths, houses, and other
sites.
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