Thuburbo Majus

About

Thuburbo Majus was founded as a Roman veteran colony in 27 BC by Emperor Augustus atop an older Punic settlement. Known as Colonia Julia Aurelia Commoda by the Romans, it flourished thanks to its proximity to trade routes and bountiful harvests of grain, olives, and fruit. Unlike most Roman settlements, the city streets are narrow and winding, with many of the buildings having irregular floor plans - likely because it kept original Punic layout. Dominated by its Capitole, with four elegant Corinthian columns, you’ll also find the remains of baths, temples, and reminders of its time as a Christian bishopric. Many of the city’s fine details survive to this day, so keep an eye out for the intricate carvings and pastoral mosaics.