Gustave Hannezo (1857-1922) et l’archéologie tunisienne

Abstract

In addition to his military professional duties, from soldier to officer, Gustave Hannezo (1857-1822), developed in Tunisia, from 1886 to 1909, a considerable archaeological activity, rich in excavations, epigraphic reports, and various artifacts, above all in Punic and Roman necropolises of Sousse, where was his main garrison. In the honor hall of his regiment, he installed a Museum, of which he gave in 1902 the catalog, joint with that of the museum of the city. He carried out shorter searches in Salakta, Mahdia, Hadjeb al-Aioun, Lamta, Sfax, Bizerte, etc., but also during some garrisons in France and campaigns in Algeria. As he went along, he systematically pointed out interesting discoveries to the French Comite des Travaux Historiques et Scientifiques (CTHS). He continued after his retirement in France in 1909. Recalled to service since the declaration of war, 1914, August 2th, he monitored digging of trenches in northern France and found various ancient artifacts. Back in his Mâcon home in 1919, he went on publishing synthesis notes about Tunisian ancient cities, until his death in 1922. Many interesting facts could be gleaned in his notes and reports for Tunisian archeology.