New perspectives on the Roman military base at Bu Njem

Abstract This article revisits archival excavation records of the Roman garrison at Bu Njem. Past research on archaeology Njem often considered site in isolation from its extramural settlement and content ostraca, focusing morphology fort, composition garrison: this offers opportunity to study as an extended military community interconnected social, cultural economic settings. Since completion fieldwork led by Rebuffat between 1967 1980, there have been significant advances Garamantes, understanding trade Sahara nature Rome's North African frontiers. These allow for a rethinking interpretation evidence focuses base settlement. Building existing research, results add interpretations activities garrison, recognise urban character settlement, doing so, improve our social frontier.