- The Fossatum Africae, meaning ‘African Ditch’, was a fortified Roman frontier in North Africa, stretching 460 miles (750 km) from the town of Ain Oulmene to the village of Matlawi.
- It was built to prevent attacks from desert tribes in the Roman Province of Africa Proconsularis in modern day Tunisia and eastern Algeria.
History
- It was possibly started in the reign of Hadrian (117-137 CE) as it is similar in construction to the Vallum behind Hadrian's Wall in Britannia. Hadrian visited Mauretania n 123 CE and Africa Proconsularis in 128 CE.
- It is referred to only once in Roman Literature, in the Codex Theodosianus (439 CE).
Description
- The discovery and excavation of the Fossatum took place after the end of WW II in 1945, under the direction of Colonel Jean Baradez.
- He used aerial photography to locate four main sections, which he then excavated.
- The Fossatum consisted of a ditch 10-20 feet (3-6m) in width, with embankments on both sides, similar to the Vallum behind Hadrian's Wall, which was also a 20 feet (6m) wide ditch with embankments on both sides.
Africa Proconsularis, Tunisia