Djémila

Djémila (Arabic جيميلة Dschīmīla ) is the modern name of the ancient city Cuicul in North Africa Numidia (now Algeria in the so-called Kabylia ). The ruined city is since 1982 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located at 900 m altitude in the wilaya ( province ) Setif. The settlement is located on a mountain ridge between two wadis.

History

Cuicul was originally a Berber settlement, the AD a Roman veteran colony was under the Emperor Nerva end of the 1st century. The city flourished from the 2nd to the 4th century. Your prosperity they relied heavily on agriculture - North Africa was due to the humid climate at that time as a " food basket" of Rome.

In the course of time, the built-up area enlarged. A final extension dated around 400 During this time, the so-called Christian Quarter was built with a double church plant, baptistery and episcopal residence. Since 455 under Vandal control, the city 533/34 fell to the Byzantine Empire. The last time Cuicul 553 was mentioned. But even after the city was probably still inhabited until the Arab conquest in the second half of the 7th century.

Even today Cuicul is a titular of the Catholic Church.

Ruins

Get two forums, several basilicas, temples, Christian churches, triumphal arches and richly decorated private houses. The city is regarded as a good example of a shape adapted to ground conditions Roman city planning. They also had baths, a Capitol and a theater.

The temple, which the emperor Septimius Severus ( 193-211 AD) and his wife Julia Domna was consecrated, is excellently preserved. His son, Caracalla ( 211-217 ) was 216 AD built the Arc de Triomphe.

First excavations began in 1909 and continued until 1957. The most important finds, including large mosaics are exhibited in the Museum of Djémila. At risk are the archaeological sites both by sandstorms as well as by the use of stones for modern homes.

Pictures

Ruins of Djémila

Ruins of Djémila

Ruins of Djémila