Unearthing Algeria’s Roman Past

Algeria is a country with a rich history that dates back to ancient times. One of the most significant periods in its history is the Roman civilisation.

The Romans first arrived in Algeria in the 2nd century BC and established numerous settlements, including the prominent city of Timgad, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Roman influence in Algeria is evident in the well-preserved ruins of temples, amphitheatres, and aqueducts found throughout the country. These structures highlight the architectural and engineering prowess of the Romans and their ability to integrate their culture with the local Berber traditions. The Roman period in Algeria lasted until the 5th century AD, when the region was invaded by the Vandals and later the Byzantines.

The many Roman sites that can be found scattered across the landscape pay testament to a wealthy province with cities equipped with running water, palatial bath houses, hypocaust heating, opulent latrines and monumental architecture and triumphal arches. The museums, which have been little publicised, contain some astounding artefacts and illuminate this fascinating history even further.

Join Andante to discover the Romans in Algeria. Journeying from Algiers to Timgad with an expert Guide Lecturer, you’ll get closer to Algeria’s Roman past.

Cherchell & Tipasa

Cherchell is a coastal town known for its rich historical significance and beautiful Mediterranean scenery. Originally founded by the Phoenicians, it was later developed by the Romans who named it Caesarea Mauretaniae. Cherchell boasts several archaeological sites, including Roman ruins, ancient baths and a theatre, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts. The Roman city of Tipasa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the sea, has impressive remains both of the high Roman Empire and of the early Christian period. The city is renowned for its archaeological sites, which include well-preserved ruins of Roman temples, amphitheatres and basilicas. The town’s strategic location along the Mediterranean Sea made it an important trading hub in ancient times.

Annaba

Annaba, a port city in northeastern Algeria, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it serves as a significant hub for trade and tourism. The city boasts beautiful beaches, vibrant markets and a blend of French and Algerian architecture. Notable landmarks include the Basilica of St. Augustine, a stunning example of religious architecture, and the ruins of the ancient city of Hippo Regius, which offer a glimpse into the region’s Roman past. Annaba’s mild climate and scenic landscapes make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking to explore Algeria’s diverse offerings.

Constantine & Tiddis

Nestled in the mountains, Tiddis offers a glimpse into Roman urban planning and architecture. Visitors can explore various structures, including a forum, a basilica and a triumphal arch. Spectacularly located, the sandstone constructions at Tiddis have a distinctive ochre-red colour from the deep red of the earth in the surrounding area which is washed down from the hilltop and carried by the wind. The site has been occupied at least since the Neolithic period and several circular ‘bazina’ burial monuments from the pre-Roman Numidian period are visible here.

Known as the ‘City of Bridges’ due to its numerous picturesque bridges spanning the Rhumel River, Constantine is a place where history and modernity blend seamlessly. The city is renowned for its dramatic landscape, perched on a rocky outcrop with deep ravines and lush valleys below. Constantine’s history dates back to ancient times when it was known as Cirta, a major city of the Numidian Kingdom. It later became a prominent centre of the Roman Empire in North Africa. The city’s rich historical heritage is evident in its many archaeological sites, museums, and well-preserved structures, such as the ancient Roman aqueducts and the Kasbah, a fortress dating back to the Ottoman era.

Batna & Timgad

Batna is situated in the Aurès Mountains, which provides it with a picturesque landscape and a moderate climate. Batna is also a gateway to several important archaeological sites, including the Roman ruins of Timgad and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city has a vibrant community and is a hub for education and commerce in the region.

Timgad is an ancient Roman city founded by Emperor Trajan around 100 AD, principally as a colony for veterans of the Legio III Augusta. Known for its well-preserved ruins, Timgad offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman urban planning and architecture. The city was designed on a grid plan, featuring a rectangular layout with a central forum, a triumphal arch, and various public buildings such as baths, a library and a basilica. The site also includes a large theatre that could accommodate up to 3,500 spectators. Timgad is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its remarkable state of preservation and historical significance, providing insight into the life and culture of a Roman colonial town in North Africa.