Grand Nymphaeum

The Temple of Caracalla's Victory in Germany, located at Dougga, features a grand nymphaeum (a monumental fountain) that dates back to the reign of Emperor Commodus. The building, now in ruinous state, was excavated in 1961-63 by a number of French archaeologists from Quebec University, Canada. It was said that the reason the fountain was built was to commemorate the visit the Roman Emperor Caracalla, the son of Emperor Septimus Severus, made to Laodikeia in 211-217 AD. It encloses a square pool at the corner and around it two niche-shaped pools, one facing north the other west. Some depictions decorating the balustrade walls in the pool include mythological reliefs as well as some sacrificial scenes. Water was brought here by pipes from the second main water distribution terminal. The nym...Read More