Archaeologists from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice have uncovered what is believed to be the second-largest Roman olive oil mill in the Empire, located in the Kasserine region of Tunisia. This discovery is part of an ongoing excavation at the site of ancient Cillium, near the border with Algeria, which features extensive structures linked to oil production.
The excavation, led by Prof. Luigi Sperti, deputy director of the Department of Humanities and director of the Venice Archaeology Study Center (CESAV), began in 2025. Researchers are focusing on two ancient olive farms situated in the Jebel Semmama massif. The region’s high steppes and unique climate made it ideal for olive cultivation, a cornerstone of the Roman African economy. Tunisia was a crucial supplier of olive oil to Rome, contributing significantly to trade in the region.
Exploring Henchir el Begar
One of the primary sites of this archaeological mission is Henchir el Begar, previously identified as the ancient Saltus Beguensis. This site served as the center of a large rural estate in the district of Begua during the 2nd century AD, owned by the prominent figure Lucillius Africanus. The site is notable for a significant Latin inscription, which documents a senate consultation from 138 AD that authorized the establishment of a bimonthly market. This event was pivotal for the social and economic dynamics of the time.
The settlement spans approximately 33 hectares and is divided into two main sectors, referred to as Hr Begar 1 and Hr Begar 2. Hr Begar 1 houses the largest Roman oil mill in Tunisia, featuring a monumental torcularium equipped with twelve beam presses. Hr Begar 2 includes a second facility with eight presses, both operational from the 3rd to the 6th centuries AD. These findings suggest a sustained period of olive oil production in this area.
Additionally, archaeologists discovered a rural vicus, potentially housing colonists and some local inhabitants. Numerous stone millstones and mills found at the surface indicate a dual agricultural function, combining both cereal and oil production.
Recent geophysical surveys using ground-penetrating radar have revealed a complex network of residential structures and roads. This suggests a well-organized rural community that thrived in this region during Roman times.
International Collaboration and Future Research
This archaeological mission is the result of an international collaboration initiated in 2023 by Prof. Samira Sehili from the Université La Manouba in Tunisia and Prof. Fabiola Salcedo Garcés from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Since 2025, Prof. Sperti has co-directed the project, which has received institutional support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. This partnership enhances scientific collaboration between Tunisia, Spain, and Italy, particularly in the expanding field of production archaeology.
Significant artifacts have been discovered, spanning from the modern age to the Byzantine era. These include a decorated copper and brass bracelet, a white limestone projectile, and elements of architectural sculpture, such as a portion of a Roman press repurposed in a Byzantine wall.
“This mission offers an unprecedented insight into the agricultural and socio-economic organization of the frontier regions of Roman Africa,” stated Prof. Sperti. “Olive oil was not only a staple in the daily lives of ancient Romans, used in cooking, personal care, and medicine, but it also played a role as a fuel source.”
The findings from this excavation provide a valuable opportunity to explore the production, marketing, and transport of olive oil on a large scale. This research highlights the significant role of archaeology in understanding historical economies, while also paving the way for future studies in the region.
