Thapsus
Thapsus, located on the west coast of Syrtis Minor (Gulf of Gabes) in modern-day Tunisia, was an ancient town within the Roman province of Africa. Its name derives from the Carthaginian word "tapsah," meaning transit, reflective of its strategic position on a coastal road and its anchorage near a large lagoon. Historically, Thapsus was notable for its involvement in key events, including its brief capture by Agathocles of Syracuse in 310 BC and its allegiance to the Romans during the Third Punic War, which earned it the status of a free community following the fall of Carthage. The site is perhaps best known for the decisive battle that occurred nearby in 46 BC during Julius Caesar's Civil War against the Pompeians, resulting in a significant Roman victory. Under the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius, Thapsus was elevated to colonial status, as indicated by the local coinage. Archaeological remains, including an amphitheater and cisterns, provide insight into its historical significance and urban development during the Roman era.
Subject Terms
Thapsus
Thapsos (Ed-Dimas)
A town in the Roman province of Africa (Tunisia), on the west coast of Syrtis Minor (the Gulf of Gabes), approached by two corridors of land on either side of a large lagoon. Its name comes from the Carthaginian tapsah, transit, since the town not only possessed this anchorage but was also situated on the coastal road. In 310 BC Thapsus was briefly captured from the Carthaginians by Agathocles of Syracuse. During the Third Punic War (149–146) it sided with the Romans against Carthage, and was rewarded, after the destruction of that city, with the status of a free community (civitas libera).
In 46 the decisive African battle of the Civil War between Julius Caesar and the Pompeians took place in the neighborhood. Caesar laid siege to the town and contrived to tempt the Pompeian leader, Quintus Caecilius Metellus Scipio, into the western corridor of the lagoon. There Metellus Scipio stood and fought; but his line was quickly broken by Ceasar's troops, whose victory turned into a massacre. Metellus Scipio committed suicide, and Cato killed himself, at Utica (Bordj ben Chateur); Africa was lost by the Pompeians, whose surviving leaders escaped to Spain.
Under Augustus and Tiberius coinage issued at Thapsus describes the city as Colonia P(ia?) Julia, indicating the city's promotion to colonial rank, apparently before 27 BC. The god Mercury is depicted, and in the reign of Tiberius, that emperor's mother Livia appears in the roles of Ceres Augusta and Juno Augusta; three proconsuls are named (AD 21–24). Remains of an amphitheater and cisterns have survived.