Urbanisation et mutations juridiques à Bararus (Henchir Rougga) en Byzacène : essai de reconstitution de l’histoire juridico-politique de la cité d’après les rythmes de son évolution urbanistique

Abstract

In line with our previous work on the juridical-urban evolution of the cities of Africa Proconsularis under the High Empire, this article proposes to reconstitute the juridical history of Bararus, from three essential phases of its urban development. A first phase would have been opened by the granting of status of oppidum by Augustus. It would have been accompanied notably by the construction of the vast hydraulic unit. A second phase would have begun with the erection of the Augustan oppidum in a ciuitas or in a municipality under the Flavians; a juridical mutation corresponding to the first forum with basilica. Finally, during a third phase, the city of Byzacium would have been transformed into a municipality or maybe even into a colony by the Antonines, more probably by Hadrian. Consequently, the town commemorates its promotion by the monumental restoration of its forum, where the two geminated templa of the imperial cult henceforth occupy the first place.

Keywords

• Roman Africa
• Byzacena
• Bararus-Rougga
• High Empire
• centuriation
• urbanization