Haïdra, Archaeological site in Western Tunisia
Haïdra is an archaeological site with remains of a large Byzantine fortress built over older Roman structures. The fortification encloses Roman mausoleums, religious buildings, and burial areas that span several centuries of occupation.
The site began as a Roman military camp in the first century to guard the northwestern frontier. Later, the Byzantines built the fortress, transforming the settlement and adding new defensive and religious functions.
Burial grounds with graves from soldiers of Gaul and Italy show this was an important military hub. The mix of Roman, Christian, and Vandal structures reflects how different peoples shaped this place over time.
The site is located in a remote area and requires some planning to visit. It is helpful to arrive early and allow time to explore the large ruins, as there are few facilities on the ground.
A Roman triumphal arch from 197 AD still stands upright within the Byzantine fortress walls. This arch is one of the best-preserved monuments on the grounds and shows how different eras layered on top of each other.
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