Sufetula (see)


The Catholic Diocese of Sufetula was an ancient bishopric in the city of Sufetula, on the site of modern Tunisian Sbeitla, in the Roman province of Byzacena.

Background

file:Tab Peut 03 ASC.jpg |thumb|right|Peutinger Table.Sufetula, also known as Speitla and Sbeitla, is an archaeological site in Tunisia with well-preserved ruins from the Roman Empire. Roman era Sufetula was a civitas and border post on the limes Africana in the Roman province of Africa during the Roman Empire.
The town was flourishing by 79AD and lasted until 647, when the town was sacked by Arab–Berber raiders.

Ancient Bishopric

Sufetula was also the seat of an ancient Christian bishopric. The bishopric was founded during the Roman Empire and survived through the Arian Vandal Kingdom and [Eastern Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Church|Orthodox] Byzantine Empire, only ceasing to function with the Muslim conquest of the Maghreb.

Ancient churches

Ruins of Sufetula show that the town had at least six churches.
Among these, several appear to have been cathedra. The so-called Church of Servus is believed to have been the Donatist cathedral of Sufetula, while the church of Bellator was the Catholic, and later Orthodox, cathedral. The Basilica of Vitalis may have been the Arian Cathedral and dates from the 5th century. The remains at Sufetula are important as they indicate that the various sects within Christianity built and kept their places of worship, not being taken over by successive regimes.

Known bishops

  • Privatianus
  • Jucundus
  • Titianus
  • Amicacius early 5th century
  • Bellator early 5th century, built church that bears his name; an associate of Jucundus.
  • Paesidius before 484, was sent into exile by King Huneric before the general purge of bishops
  • Honorius associated with the siege of Sufetula

Titular see

The diocese was nominally revived as a titular see of the lowest rank in 1914.
It has had the following incumbents, mostly missionary members of congregations: