Archaeologists from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice have discovered the second-largest olive oil mill of the Roman Empire in the Kasserine region of Tunisia. The excavation, which began in 2025, focuses on ancient structures linked to oil production near the historic site of Cillium, situated on the border with modern-day Algeria.
This international mission, led by researchers including Prof. Luigi Sperti, aims to uncover significant archaeological insights into Roman Africa’s agricultural practices. The findings reveal two ancient olive farms nestled within the Jebel Semmama massif, a landscape well-suited for olive cultivation due to its high steppes and continental climate. These conditions fostered the growth of olive trees, a crucial resource for the economy of Roman Africa, making Tunisia a principal supplier of oil to Rome.
Unveiling the Past at Henchir el Begar
One of the primary sites excavated is Henchir el Begar, identified as the ancient Saltus Beguensis. This site, which spanned approximately 33 hectares, was part of a large rural estate owned by the prominent Roman figure Lucillius Africanus in the 2nd century AD. An important Latin inscription found at the site dates back to 138 AD and documents a senate consultation authorizing the establishment of a bimonthly market, highlighting the social and economic significance of the area during that period.
The excavation at Henchir el Begar has revealed extensive structures, including two main sectors equipped with olive presses and water-collection systems. The first sector, known as Hr Begar 1, houses the largest Roman oil mill in Tunisia and the second largest within the Roman Empire. This impressive facility features a monumental torcularium with twelve beam presses, indicating a highly organized production process. The second sector, Hr Begar 2, contains another oil mill with eight presses, showcasing the area’s dual agricultural focus on both cereals and oil.
Recent geophysical surveys utilizing ground-penetrating radar have exposed a complex network of residential structures and roads, suggesting a well-structured rural community that thrived from the 3rd to the 6th centuries AD.
International Collaboration and Future Prospects
The excavation project results from a fruitful collaboration initiated in 2023, led by Prof. Samira Sehili from Université La Manouba in Tunisia, and Prof. Fabiola Salcedo Garcés from Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain. Since 2025, Prof. Sperti has co-directed the project with support from Tunisia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. This partnership fosters international scientific collaboration and enhances opportunities for joint research among Tunisia, Spain, and Italy, particularly focused on production archaeology.
The ongoing excavation has yielded valuable artifacts, including a decorated copper and brass bracelet, a white limestone projectile, and elements of architectural sculpture, such as parts of a Roman press integrated into a Byzantine wall. The discoveries offer new insights into the agricultural and socio-economic dynamics of the frontier regions during Roman rule.
“This mission provides an unprecedented glimpse into the agricultural and socio-economic organization of Roman Africa’s frontier regions,” stated Prof. Sperti. “Olive oil was integral to Roman life, not only as a cooking ingredient but also for body care, sports, medicine, and even lighting. Understanding the production, marketing, and transport of this essential product allows us to blend research with economic development, underscoring the importance of archaeology as a field of excellence at our university.”
The excavation’s findings not only enhance historical knowledge but also highlight the enduring significance of olive oil in Mediterranean civilizations, ensuring the legacy of these ancient practices continues to resonate today.
