Watch Global Treasures DOUGGA Thugga Tunisia

Global Treasures DOUGGA Thugga Tunisia is a documentary film that explores one of the most fascinating and well-preserved ancient Roman cities in North Africa, located in the present-day country of Tunisia. The film takes the audience on a journey through the ruins of the ancient city of Dougga, which was once a flourishing trading hub and a center of culture and politics during the Roman period.

The film begins with an introduction to the historical and geographical context of Dougga, situated on a hilltop overlooking the fertile plains of the Medjerda Valley. The filmmaker presents a stunning aerial view of the city, emphasizing its strategic location and the impressive scale of its buildings and infrastructure. The narrator describes how Dougga was founded by the Numidian people in the 4th century BC and later became an important Roman colony in the 2nd century AD, with a population estimated at over 30,000 people.

The first part of the film focuses on the city's main monuments and public spaces, such as the Capitolium, the Forum, and the Theater. The filmmaker provides a detailed visual and historical exposition of each of these sites, highlighting their architectural style, decoration, and function. The audience learns about the different gods and heroes honored in the Capitolium, the political debates and ceremonies held in the Forum, and the dramatic performances staged in the Theater. The film also shows the intricate mosaics, statues, and reliefs that adorned the public buildings and streets of Dougga, revealing the mastery of Roman artistic craftsmanship and the richness of the city's cultural life.

The second part of the film delves into the private life of the citizens of Dougga, as reflected in their houses, baths, and temples. The filmmaker takes the audience inside some of the best-preserved dwellings of the city, such as the House of Trifolium and the House of the Seasons, and shows how they were organized and decorated according to the social status and lifestyle of their owners. The audience sees the intricate frescoes, sculptures, and furnishings that adorned the bedrooms, dining rooms, and courtyards of these houses, giving a glimpse into the aesthetics and values of the Roman aristocracy.

The film also explores the religious beliefs and practices of the people of Dougga, as manifested in their temples and shrines. The audience learns about the cults of the gods Apollo, Ceres, Venus, and Bacchus, as well as the indigenous deities that were assimilated into the Roman pantheon. The filmmaker shows how these temples were not only places of worship but also centers of education, charity, and social cohesion, reflecting the complex role of religion in ancient society.

Throughout the film, the audience is treated to breathtaking panoramic shots of the city and the surrounding landscape, showcasing the natural beauty and diversity of Tunisia. The filmmaker captures the changing light and shadows of the ruins, creating a meditative and immersive atmosphere that invites contemplation and reflection.

Overall, Global Treasures DOUGGA Thugga Tunisia offers a comprehensive and visually stunning portrayal of one of the most remarkable and underrated archaeological sites in the world. The film combines informative commentary, striking imagery, and artistic sensibility, making it a must-see for anyone interested in history, art, culture, and travel.