Djemila city description and photos - Algeria (Topic)

Djemila city description and photos - Algeria. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Djemila.

Photo and description

The ruins of the ancient Roman city of Dzhemila, which are located in a mountainous area near the city of Setif in Algeria, have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1982. Dzhemila's predecessor - Kuikul, a Roman fortress, was intended to house a military garrison defending a strategically important road. The city was founded in 96-97, the reign of Nerva.

For the construction of a defensive structure, the site was ideally located, surrounded on all sides by mountains and rivers, it was convenient for defense, access to the necessary resources was provided by the fertile land around. After some time, the fortress grew so much that it became a fairly large cultural and trade center, with an amphitheater for three thousand spectators and forums. The bulk of the inhabitants are legionnaires, who received land as payment for service. The amphitheater was designed in such a way that any rustle from below could be perfectly heard in the uppermost row.

The beginning of sunset for Dzhemila was 431 years, when it was occupied by vandals. In 533, the former fortress was conquered by the Byzantine warriors, but climate change led to the complete drying up of the rivers, lack of precipitation. Olive groves and fields were destroyed, the city was abandoned by the inhabitants.

During excavations in 1909, the basilicas of the first Christians, houses, one of the forums, a theater, baths with running water for hot and cold water were discovered. The best preserved temple is dedicated to Emperor Septimus Severus and his wife Julia. The Arc de Triomphe in honor of their son Caracalla is also in good condition. The so-called “European Courtyard” is an ensemble of 18 buildings.

We also recommend reading Ruins of Cerro da Vila (Ruinas Romanas do Cerro da Vila) description and photos - Portugal: Quarteira

Topic: Djemila city description and photos - Algeria.