Timgad – an excellent example of Roman town planning, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Algeria
Baku, November 2, AZERTAC
Located to the north of the massif of the Aurès in a mountainous site of great beauty, 480 km south-east of Algiers and 110 km to the south of Constantine, Timgad is a consummate example of a Roman military colony created ex nihilo.
The Colonia Marciana Traiana Thamugadi was founded in 100 A.D. by Trajan, probably as an encampment for the 3rd Augustan Legion which, thereafter, was quartered at Lambaesis.
Its plan, laid out with great precision, illustrates Roman urban planning at its height. By the middle of the 2nd century, the rapid growth of the city had ruptured the narrow confines of its original foundation.
Timgad spread beyond the perimeters of its ramparts and several major public buildings are built in the new quarters: Capitolium, temples, markets and baths. Most of these buildings date from the Severan period when the city enjoyed its Golden Age, also attested by immense private residences.
A strong and prosperous colony, Timgad must have served as a compelling image of the grandeur of Rome on Numidian soil.
Buildings, constructed entirely of stone, were frequently restored during the course of the Empire: the Trajan Arch in the middle of the 2nd century, the Eastern gate in 146, and the Western gate under Marcus-Aurelius.
The streets were paved with large rectangular limestone slabs and, as attested by the 14 baths, which still may be seen today, particular attention was paid to the disposition of public conveniences.
The houses, of varying sizes, dazzle by their sumptuous mosaics, which were intended to offset the absence of precious marbles.
During the Christian period, Timgad was a renowned bishopric. After the Vandal invasion of 430, Timgad was destroyed at the end of the 5th century by montagnards of the Aurès.
The Byzantine Reconquest revived some activities in the city, defended by a fortress built to the south, in 539, reusing blocks removed from Roman monuments. The Arab invasion brought about the final ruin of Thamugadi, which ceased to be inhabited after the 8th century.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, the former colonial city of Timgad is an excellent example of Roman town planning.
Other news in this section
