- The Fossatum Africae 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 defended the Roman Province of Africa Proconsularis in modern day Tunisia and eastern Algeria.
Description
- 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).
- 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