The Establishment of the Archaeological City of Taoujera (Tokra)

Abstract

The research deals with the history of the city of Taoujera (Tokra). It deals with the contradictions and differences in the ancient sources that talk about the founding of the archaeological city. Ancient literary sources show a lack of data and confusion in knowing where and when the city was founded, which raises questions and creates difficulties in understanding its precise history. The main difference comes between the narratives of Herodotus and Pindar, as Herodotus indicates that Taukhira belongs to the people of Cyrenaica and assumes that it was founded to take advantage of coastal resources, while Pindar mentions that it was founded by the city of Kyreni. The founding date of the city of Cyrenaica, according to Herodotus, is linked to the reign of King Arcesilaus II after 570 BC, suggesting that the establishment of Taukhira occurred after this date. Although viewpoints differ among contemporary historians, the history of Tajera still remains controversial and a subject of ongoing research and exploration to better understand it due to the contradictions and ambiguous evidence available.