THE BASILICA OF HILDEGUNS (MACTARIS, TUNISIA)

The basilica of Hildeguns, studied by archaeologist Noël Duval, is a particularly remarkable testimony to the occupation of Mactar during the Vandal period. The building is preceded by a narthex, with three doors punctuating the façade. In the centre, a baldachin covered by a dome marked the main entrance, opening onto a tripartite nave. On either side, the central nave is separated from the aisles by geminated columns surmounted by semi-circular arches. While the plan and the lower part of the elevation are in a good state of preservation, we have no information about the upper parts. The solutions proposed in this model are inspired by those found in a series of comparable buildings. The height of the central nave is slightly greater than that of the aisles, in order to accommodate a series of small openings under the roof structure.