Temple of Juno Caelestis

The Temple of Juno Caelestis was erected on the outskirts of Dougga at the start of the 2nd century AD. Excavated in the 1890s, the temple has a rectangular outline flanked on all sides with pillars that are still existent. The successor of the Punic god Tanit, Juno Caelestis was an ancient Roman goddess, the protector and special counselor of the state. It was said that its construction came few years before Christianity disseminate largely in the heart of Tunisia. Since the temple stands on a high podium, a flight of eleven wide stairs leads to the temple which is surrounded by a pillared semicircular courtyard. The temenos, which is 52 metres in diameter, is reminiscent of a crescent moon, the symbol of Juno Caelestis. There is a portico with 25 laurels topped with a frieze showing the ...Read More