Marie Theres Wittmann's DPhil project examines the so-called African Boom of the late 2nd and early 3rd century AD, analysing the urban development of North African cities during this period of intense urbanisation. By integrating archaeological and epigraphic evidence, she investigates the key players of this increase in building activity and urbanisation, contributing to the Centre’s mission of refining archaeological methodologies for urban studies. Engaging with UrbNet’s interdisciplinary environment, she benefited from discussions on her case studies of North African cities, euergetic behaviour of different local elites across the Roman Empire and archaeological theory. While supporting UrbNet’s goal of advancing the understanding of urban evolution, this academic knowledge exchange resulted in a fruitful and productive research stay.