Pax et Bellum en Tripolitaine occidentale (partie tunisienne) à l’époque vandale

Abstract This paper analyzes a well-defined problem: that of relations between the Moors of Western Tripolitania (Tunisian part) and the Vandals. Notwithstanding the lack of textual sources, the subject will be addressed in an area that is both a border territory and pre-Saharan, namely Western Tripolitania. The period chosen is a poorly understood period and still debated by specialists. This work is based on two essential foundations: first, an attempt is made to demonstrate the main features and approximate boundaries of the Vandal State; and secondly the focus will be on the relations between the pre-Saharan Moors of Western Tripolitania and the Vandals. As a preliminary introduction, the nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples of the Tunisian Chotts, Nefzaoua, the hinterland of Jeffara and Jebel will be discussed. The best known of the tribes in these regions are the Arzuges. They would have circulated, according to Orose, along the limes of Africa. As a result, they developed various relationships with the Arians depending on the political situation and its evolution under the Vandals.