5 June. On 25 May, Mrs Amina-Aïcha Malek, researcher, Laboratoire d'Archéologie d'Orient et d'Occident, and Head of the Algero-French Archaeological Mission in Lambese, Algeria, gave a lecture on the project in Lambese.

The Lambessa (Algeria) archaeological mission began in 2006 and continued in 2007, revealing remarkable finds from the standpoint of iconography and domestic architecture.

Indeed, two peristyle houses were found for the first time in Lambessa, and in one of them a large reception room was discovered. It had beautiful pavements including an exceptional figured panel. Study of this scene made it possible to identify the mythological episode of the failed sacrifice of Phrixus and Helle – a highly unusual and unexpected representation for the Roman period of this episode from the legend of Phrixus. Study of the pavements in their architectural context made it possible to envisage a first investigation of the hitherto unknown residential quarters of the city of Lambessa, which was the capital of Numidia from the end of the second century up to the early fourth century. Of particular interest are the structures of the habitations of the Lower Town and the relationship of the residential area to public monuments.

This research project made it possible to renew institutional contacts with the minister of culture and Algerian colleagues such as archaeologists and restorers. In addition, at the local level this mission raised awareness among local authorities of the importance and richness of the site. In fact, they stopped other work on the plots containing the vestiges that were discovered and contributed to the project with financial and technical support.

updated on: 1 July, 2009