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This paper focuses on the integrated and multiscale archaeological analysis of the necropolis of Jebel Zebouzi in El Kef, Northern Tunisia, shedding light on the complex and diverse megalithic structures that characterize the region. North Africa features a vast array of pre-Roman funerary monuments, ranging from monumental tombs influenced by Punic and Roman-Hellenistic examples to autochthonous rock-cut chamber tombs known as haouanet. The landscape is further enriched with bazinas, chouchet, tumuli, and dolmens, in some cases forming extensive necropolises. Despite their visibility, the understanding of these structures remains limited. Early assumptions regarding their dating were challenged, suggesting a Late Bronze Age origin. After two centuries of research, there remains a significant hiatus in knowledge regarding the spatial arrangement, funerary traditions, and chronology of these megalithic necropolises. To bridge this gap, the research project described in this paper has employed cutting-edge techniques such as drone imagery, photogrammetry for documentation during remote and on-foot surveys. Together with selected excavations and bioarchaeological analysis, the goal is to reconstruct some of the necropolis’ stratigraphical and spatial configuration, offering insights into horizontal and vertical social complexity and the utilization of space. The study addresses hence the phenomenon of reuse and modification of these ancient monuments over time, raising questions about cultural appropriation, memory, history, and the negotiation of cultural identity. This comprehensive approach aims to contribute to the understanding of North African pre-Roman funerary practices and the cultural dynamics that shaped these megalithic landscapes.

Megalithic monuments are a distinctive archaeological feature of Saharan landscape, as indicated by different systematic research projects undertaken so far. Starting from a very low baseline of previous archaeological research, and as part of a comprehensive research programme focussed on northern Sahara, we launched in 2015 a territorial investigation of stone monuments of the pre-protohistory and early history of southern Tunisia. To do this, we selected a sample study area east and south-east of the Chott el Jérid depression (Kebili region) where to conduct field research. In this paper we present the research strategy adopted, planned to address some issues such as the poor state of preservation of the monuments or their uncertain chronology, also known from other parts of the Sahara. Our results, based on the combination of remote sensing analysis, field survey and selected excavations, highlight a dense occupation of this area of northern Sahara, where monumental buildings of possible funerary function tentatively trace back to the late pre-protohistory up to the roman age. The persistent use of the area across a long-time span corroborates its pivotal location in ancient trans-Saharan connection routes.

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Nous présentons les résultats préliminaires d'un projet Tuniso-Italien de collaboration scientifique dans le domaine des études environnementales et de la recherche préhistorique et anthropologique en Tunisie méridionale mené selon une approche interdisciplinaire qui comprend la géo-archéologie, la géochronologie, la géochimie, la palynologie, la paléoanthropologie et la génétique. La zone de recherche se trouve au sud du Chott el Jérid et ses environs. Il s’agit d’une zone caractérisée par la présence de l’un des méga lacs qui existaient dans le Sahara pendant les périodes humides à la fin du Quaternaire. La région est une zone charnière entre la Méditerranée et le Sahara, donc favorable à l’étude des diffusions culturelles et des déplacements humains à travers les différentes périodes et environnements.