The Roman Baths Of Aquae Thibilitanae -Guelma Province

Abstract

This study investigates the archaeological site of Hammam Debbagh, known in antiquity as ad Aquae    Thibilitanae, located in the Guelma Province of Algeria. Renowned for its thermal springs, the site held significant strategic value during the Roman period due to its fertile lands, abundant freshwater resources, and natural defensive advantages. The Romans exploited these features by constructing an elaborate bath complex that utilized the natural heat of the hot springs, eliminating the need for conventional heating systems.

The research explores the site’s topography, historical significance, and architectural components, uncovering structures such as baths, pools, and various Roman era remains. However, due to the site’s advanced deterioration and the wide dispersal of archaeological remains across a large area, reconstructing the spatial relationships between these structures presents a major challenge. Among the notable discoveries is a well-preserved pool adjacent to a domed structure, though their precise function and spatial organization within the complex remain unclear.

A detailed architectural analysis highlights the Roman construction techniques employed at the site, including opus incertum and opus quadratum, as well as the use of locally sourced materials such as stone, debesh stone, and Roman bricks. Despite its historical and archaeological importance, the site lacks formal protection, and parts of it have been damaged or destroyed due to modern construction activities.

This study underscores the urgent need for systematic and comprehensive excavations to fully uncover and document the site’s various components. Such efforts would enable a more accurate reconstruction of its historical context and a deeper understanding of its role within the broader framework of Roman heritage in North Africa.