Iulia Valentia Banasa

The Colonia Iulia Valentia Banasa was one of three Roman colonies in the North African province of Mauretania Tingitana that, Emperor Augustus 33-25 BC for the settlement of veterans of the Battle of Actium. The colony was on the south bank of the river Sebou. Near the ruins of today lies the small town of Sidi Ali Boujenoun. With the beginning of the reign of Marcus Aurelius Banasa was given the name of Colonia Aurelia. From 285 AD, the province of Mauretania Tingitana was reduced and only covered areas north of Lixus. As a consequence, the colony was abandoned Banasa.

Among the ruins of Banasa one finds the typical elements of a Roman city: a forum with a basilica, a Capitol, baths and streets, which are laid out in a regular pattern. Many of the buildings date from the early third century AD. The name Valentia in Latin means as much as " young, strong ". It is also found in other colonies such as Valence and Valencia. Although Mauritania clientele was a kingdom and not a Roman province, Augustus founded there at least twelve Roman colonies. Comparable Roman cities that were established during this period, were Chellah ( Sala Colonia ) and Volubilis. The latter also had a basilica and a schedule -scale road network.

Finds from Banasa can be seen in the Archaeological Museum of Rabat.

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