The city forum, which is 924 m² (9,950 sq ft) in size is small.
It is better preserved in some places than others, because the construction of the Byzantine fort damaged a large section of it.
The capitol, which stands on an area surrounded by porticos, dominates its surroundings by virtue of its imposing appearance.
The "square of the Rose of the Winds" (which is named after a decorative element) seems more like an esplanade leading to the Temple of Mercury, which stands on its northern side, than an open public space.
The city's curia and a tribune for speeches probably also stood here.

Long ago, archaeologists believed that Roman settlement at Dougga occurred ex nihilo.
This suggestion has been contradicted by the discovery of a sanctuary dedicated to Massinissa amongst the substructures to the rear of the capitol.
The city forum, which is 924 m² (9,950 sq ft) in size is small. It is better preserved in some places than others, because the construction of the Byzantine fort damaged a large section of it. The capitol, which stands on an area surrounded by porticos, dominates its surroundings by virtue of its imposing appearance. The "square of the Rose of the Winds" (which is named after a decorative element) seems more like an esplanade leading to the Temple of Mercury, which stands on its northern side, than an open public space. The city's curia and a tribune for speeches probably also stood here.
Long ago, archaeologists believed that Roman settlement at Dougga occurred ex nihilo. This suggestion has been contradicted by the discovery of a sanctuary dedicated to Massinissa amongst the substructures to the rear of the capitol.
Dougga