Inside The Troglodyte Houses of Matmata

Amazi-n-gh Engineering Debunked

Photo Credit: Kais Slama

Located on the outskirts of Gabes, approximately 100 kilometers east of Douz, the Berber Amazigh settlement of Matmata stands amidst an arid desert terrain characterized by scrubland and hills. Notably, this settlement is renowned for its distinctive traditional Berber housing, namely the pit-like cave dwellings that define its landscape, a feature exclusive to Matmata within Tunisia.

These cave houses, also referred to as troglodyte houses, appear to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment. Initially imperceptible from external vantage points, some conjecture their origins as defensive shelters against adversaries. However, a more plausible explanation suggests their development as protection against the harsh desert conditions. Troglodyte cave dwellings provide essential cooling shade during daylight hours while insulating occupants from the chilly desert nights.