La frontière de l’Afrique romaine à l’époque tardive: Le cas emblématique de Tobna et du limes Tubuniensis (Notitia Dignitatum, Occ., 25.25)

Abstract

In Southern Numidia, the site of Tobna and its region constitute a remarkable field of research for the study of the Roman frontier in Africa. The remains of linear structures discovered in the vinicity of Tobna, located at the provincial border, have been interpreted in light of the limes Tubuniensis as mentioned by the Notitia Dignitatum (Occ., 25.25). This explanation fits the usual model of the Roman frontier at the end of antiquity, commonly designated as limes, whose nature was also considered to be determined by defensive considerations as deduced from the written testimonies and archaeological remains. This paper studies each of these elements to consider their implications for the organization of the Roman border, and its regional specificities.