Publications
Le Vent à Djémila
A deep connection between archaeologist Yvonne Allais and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Djémila is revealed, illustrating how her prolonged engagement with the site led to a profound identification with its Roman-era past. This study highlights the significance of personal immersion in archaeological research, showcasing Allais' contributions through her extensive work at Cuicul (Djémila) from 1925 onwards. Her life and career exemplify the symbiotic relationship between researchers and historical sites, offering insights into the emotional and intellectual dimensions of archaeological exploration.
Documenting Ancient Materials for a Digital Materials Library Project. The Case of Three World Heritage Sites in Algeria
A comprehensive analysis of three Roman-era World Heritage Sites in Algeria—Timgad, Djémila, and Tipaza—reveals the prevalence of clay-based materials, natural mineral stones, and wood as primary construction components. The study identifies these materials' diverse applications and origins, including both local sourcing and imported trade networks, providing critical insights for restoration efforts. This research contributes to a Digital Materials Library (DML) project aimed at supporting stakeholders in heritage conservation by documenting ancient materials systematically. The findings highlight the importance of understanding material provenance and availability for future reconstruction, addressing key challenges in preserving Algeria's built and archaeological heritage.
The Absence of Christian Iconography and the Presence of Roman Cult and Culture in the Baptismal Complex of Cuicul, Numidia
A study of the baptismal complex in Cuicul (Djémila, Algeria) reveals that the late Roman Christian community integrated Roman cultural and religious elements to strengthen its Nicene-Catholic identity during the Donatist conflict. The research finds that architectural features, such as a double church and baptistery, along with the use of Roman imagery and honorary titles, reflect a deliberate fusion of Roman tradition with Christian practice. This approach challenged theological strife by reinforcing communal unity through cultural continuity. The study also critiques allegorical interpretations, advocating for a nuanced understanding that incorporates literal, cultural, and socio-political dimensions.
“Le monde finit toujours par vaincre l’histoire’’: recepção da antiguidade em Le vent à djemila (1938), de Albert Camus
Albert Camus's essay 'Le vent à Djémila' (1938) from his collection 'Noces' presents the antiquity of Djémila as a symbol of enduring beauty and permanence, contrasting with the transient nature of human history. The study reveals that Camus uses the ancient Roman ruins to evoke a profound philosophical reflection on mortality, suggesting that the only viable response to death is its courageous acceptance. This interpretation emerges from an analysis of key passages where antiquity serves as a lens to examine the tension between material existence and historical narrative. By framing Djémila's ruins as a representation of human desire for permanence, Camus challenges readers to confront the inevitability of time and change.
L'héritage paléochrétien en Afrique du Nord : cas des monuments de la région Est de l'Algérie
A groundbreaking study on the paleochristian heritage of eastern Algeria reveals the region's architectural richness, dating back to the 1st century AD and peaking in the 4th century. Focusing on emblematic sites like Theveste (Tébessa), Hippone (Annaba), Cuicul (Djémila), and Thamugadi (Timgad), the research employs advanced virtual restitution technologies to document, analyze, and preserve these monuments. This methodology offers a dynamic approach to heritage conservation, creating an evolving database that integrates new discoveries and interventions. The study also highlights the urgent need for legal protection and modernization of preservation strategies in Algeria, aiming to safeguard this invaluable cultural legacy for future generations.
Study of Repairs and Various Post-Seismic Interventions Carried Out in Ancient Sites in Algeria
Ancient Roman construction techniques in Algeria, particularly at sites like Djemila, Timgad, and Lambèse, reveal sophisticated post-seismic interventions that mirror those found in European counterparts such as Pompeii and Ostia. The study identifies a correlation between historical renovations and seismic activity, suggesting that Roman builders in North Africa adapted their methods to mitigate earthquake damage. This insight underscores the advanced engineering expertise of Roman civilizations, which extended across their vast territories. The research employed visual examinations and comparative analyses, drawing parallels between Algerian and Italian sites to reconstruct past repair strategies.
Exergue
A new analysis of the exergue at Djémila reveals that urban Christian basilicas in Roman North Africa were part of larger 'episcopal groups,' suggesting a hierarchical structure within early Christian communities. These complexes, previously documented in major sites like Hippone and Timgad, likely extended to smaller cities as well, hinting at a more widespread architectural pattern. The study, based on archaeological findings from Djémila, proposes that further excavations could uncover more modest variants of these structures, offering deeper insights into the organization of early Christian churches across Africa.
Le chantier antique au service du patrimoine, le cas de l'arc de Caracalla de Djemila (Cuicul)
Djémila's Arc of Caracalla, one of the site's most preserved yet least studied monuments, reveals intricate insights into ancient construction practices. This study deciphers the operational chain of the monument's construction, shedding light on project planning, site preparation, stone-cutting techniques, and the specialization levels of artisans involved. By analyzing traces of construction, materials, tools, and finishing work, researchers reconstruct the building process, offering a detailed account of ancient engineering and craftsmanship. Unlike previous architectural studies, this research focuses on the practical execution of construction, providing a nuanced understanding of the technical know-how and labor organization in ancient times.
Imagining the Divine: Exploring Art in Religions of Late Antiquity across Eurasia ed. by Jaś Elsner and Rachel Wood
A comparative analysis of religious art from late antiquity reveals that material objects played a pivotal role in shaping religious experiences, challenging traditional text-based theological interpretations. The study, spanning from Ireland to India, examines how diverse religions—including Christianity and Islam—employed imagery, parerga (frames and attributes), and codices to mediate encounters with the divine. It highlights inconsistencies in scholarly approaches, such as the dichotomy between affective and intellectual responses to scripture, while emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to fully grasp the religio-historical significance of material culture.
Decoding Spatial Framework of Roman-African Domus, Case of Cuicul (Djemila) Algeria
Roman-African domus, as exemplified in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Djemila (Algeria), encode cultural identity through their spatial configurations. These residences employ a hierarchical organization with transitional spaces that govern activity separation and control access, revealing ancient social norms. Space syntax analysis demonstrates how these structures create movement pathways while maintaining functional distinctions, offering insights into historical human behavior and interactions between inhabitants and outsiders.
Une nouvelle mosaïque à scènes de cirque découverte en Algérie
A new mosaic depicting circus scenes has been discovered at Sidi Zerouk, Algeria, marking the fifth such find in the country. The mosaic, though incomplete and partially buried under a residence, features a quadriga (four-horse chariot), a mounted figure, two horses, and two grooms, confirming its identification as a circus scene. This discovery adds to the limited corpus of North African circus mosaics, with Algeria previously contributing only four such artifacts from Cherchel, Oued Athmania, and Djémila. The find underscores the significance of Djémila in preserving Roman-era art while highlighting the need for further archaeological exploration in Algeria to uncover more of its rich cultural heritage.
Le site antique de Djemila (Algérie). Entre découverte et approche de valorisation
Djémila, an ancient site in Algeria known as 'Cuicul,' stands out for its untapped potential in redefining heritage revitalization. This study highlights the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of its archaeological data and conservation methods to address modern demands. By revisiting past discoveries and scientific findings, it proposes innovative approaches to reinterpret Djemila's urban history, ensuring its integration into contemporary heritage strategies. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, Djémila offers a case study for balancing preservation with dynamic adaptation, leveraging its rich, yet underutilized, historical layers to shape a sustainable future.
“Ma vraie patrie”: Camus and Algeria
Peter Dunwoodie's analysis reveals that Albert Camus' literary and political engagement with Algeria, particularly his depictions of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Tipasa and Djémila, is underpinned by a complex interplay of personal nostalgia, colonial guilt, and an overtly political intentionality. Dunwoodie argues that Camus' 'psychogeographic' evocations of these sites are not merely nostalgic but are haunted by the violence of French colonialism, reflecting an attempt to rationalize and evade the legacy of conflict while promoting non-confrontational belonging. The study employs post-colonial criticism and close textual analysis to dissect Camus' works, including 'Le Premier Homme,' highlighting the tension between his personal experiences as a poor French-Algerian (pied-noir) and the broader socio-political dynamics of Algeria during and after 1930.
Construire dans l’Antiquité
Archaeological tools from the excavation of Djemila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Algeria, reveal shared technical knowledge and craftsmanship practices among Roman-era artisans. The analysis demonstrates that stonecutters, carpenters, and masons employed standardized methods for stone extraction, wood shaping, and surface finishing, with striking morphological similarities to tools found in other Roman provinces. This suggests a widespread exchange of skills and techniques across the Roman Empire, highlighting the interconnectedness of construction practices during antiquity.
Michèle Blanchard-Lemée (1936-2017) et l’Afrique antique
Michèle Blanchard-Lemée (1936–2017) made significant contributions to the study of ancient African mosaics, particularly those in Djémila, Algeria. Her groundbreaking thesis on the pavements of Djémila established her as a leading expert in the field, and her work remained central to her research throughout her career. A recent posthumous publication focused on the 'house of Bacchus' in Djémila, highlighting her deep engagement with this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Blanchard-Lemée's expertise extended beyond academic research; she played a pivotal role in the restoration and museography of Algerian mosaics, fostering collaboration between French and Algerian researchers. Her legacy includes advancements in the preservation and study of ancient African art, cementing her influence on modern archaeological practices.
Les instruments de mesure (poids, capacité, temps) dans l'Algérie romaine
A groundbreaking study of Roman Algeria reveals previously undocumented and rare instruments for measuring weight, capacity, and time, including two unique vertical dihedral sundials from Djémila and a distinctive ponderarium from the market of Cosinius. These findings, derived from systematic archaeological, epigraphic, and metrological analyses, shed new light on the economic, commercial, and technical organization of Roman cities in Algeria. The research also highlights the integration of these instruments into daily life and their typological diversity, contributing significantly to the understanding of Roman Africa's material culture.
Deterioration patterns of building limestone in the Septimius Severus family Temple in the Romain ruins of Djemila Algeria
Rain-dry cycles combined with thermal gradients are the primary drivers of limestone weathering in the Septimius Severus family temple at Djemila, Algeria. This study identifies that intrinsic factors such as limestone petrography and porosity, along with environmental moisture variations, contribute significantly to the deterioration process. The research employs a comprehensive approach, analyzing both intrinsic and extrinsic factors to elucidate the mechanisms behind the decay patterns observed in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The findings highlight the complex interplay between climatic conditions and material properties in shaping the preservation challenges faced by ancient structures in semi-arid and continental climates.
Etude historique et architecturale du macellum de Djemila (Cuicul)
A rare, well-preserved Roman macellum (market) at Djémila, dating to Emperor Antoninus Pius' reign, offers new insights into ancient urban planning and euregetism. Unlike the few other studied macella, this one's proximity to the forum and exceptional epigraphic wealth allowed researchers to reconstruct its architecture, including a 3D model, while analyzing construction techniques. The study also sheds light on the identity of its benefactor, revealing how wealthy individuals funded public infrastructure in Roman cities.
The Public Presence of Women in the Cities of Roman North Africa. Two Case Studies: Thamugadi and Cuicul
A notable discovery in Roman North Africa reveals the significant public presence of women through inscriptions and portrait statues, particularly in Thamugadi (Timgad) and Cuicul (Djémila). The study highlights Cornelia Valentina Tucciana s. Sertia, who was honored with five statues in the early third century AD, showcasing her prominence in the urban landscape. Additionally, Didia Cornelia and her sister Didia Cornelia Ingenua initiated three statuary monuments for their family members on the North Forum, underscoring women's roles in public commemoration during this period.
Dilation behaviour of lime mortars for restoration work: application to the compatibility of cracked stone reassembling
Research demonstrates that dilation, linked to thermal and hygric gradients, is a critical factor in the degradation of stones in semi-arid environments. This study introduces a method to measure dilation, revealing its correlation with structural material properties and its significance in assessing stone-mortar compatibility. Applying this approach to cracked limestones from UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Djemila (Algeria) and Volubilis (Morocco), the findings challenge conventional restoration practices, suggesting that current solutions may be less durable or unsuitable for such climates. The study underscores the need for tailored restoration strategies that account for dilation behavior to ensure long-term stability of archaeological structures.
Guillon Jean-Marie, Paul-Albert Février, un historien dans l’Algérie en guerre. Un engagement chrétien, 1959-1962 (préface de Pierre Vidal- Naquet), Éditions du Cerf, 2006, 525 p.
Paul-Albert Février, renowned for his archaeological work on Roman Africa and the late antiquity of Algeria, also played a significant role during the Algerian War (1954–1962). This lesser-known aspect of his career is explored in Guillon Jean-Marie, Paul-Albert Février, un historien dans l’Algérie en guerre, which examines his ten-month deployment as a conscript in a military training center. The book sheds light on the intersection of academic scholarship and civic duty during a turbulent period, highlighting Février’s dual identity as both an archaeologist and a Christian engaged in a conflict-ridden society. Drawing from historical records and personal accounts, it offers a nuanced portrayal of intellectual life amid political upheaval, contributing to our understanding of the complexities faced by scholars in wartime Algeria.
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