Timgad Ancient City; It is one of the most important legacies of ancient Rome left to the world. The city is located in the city of Batna, which is called the “gate of the desert” in the south of Algeria. The main purpose of the city, which was built as a military base, is quite different. The city, which was designed in line with its purposes, is among the best preserved works of the Roman Empire until today. The city, which was under the desert for 1600 years, attracted the attention of researchers with its perfect city plan when it was unearthed.
The ancient city, which is the largest open-air museum in Africa, is also known as the “Grid City”. It is thought that the reason why the city, which has been hidden under the sands for hundreds of years, is so well preserved, is the desert sands. Visited by thousands of tourists every year, the ancient city has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1982.
Timgad Ancient City, AD by order of Roman Emperor Trajan. It was built in the year 100. It was built to prevent attacks on Rome from the south, to ensure the safety of trade routes and to break the resistance of the local people. However, it was abandoned due to the looting of the Vandal Kingdom in North Africa. The city, where no one lived for centuries, was covered with sand carried by the desert storms coming from the south and disappeared over time.
The city, which was hidden for many years, was discovered by chance in 1765 by the British archaeologist James Bruce. Later, during the French colonial period, it was partially unearthed by the work of a group of French archaeologists. Later, after Algeria gained independence in 1962, archaeological excavations continued and the entire city was uncovered.
Establishment Purpose of Timgad Ancient City
Within the purpose of establishment of the city; In addition to preventing future attacks, it was planned to Romanize the local people, that is, to assimilate. For this reason, large structures were built to make the city a center of attraction. The “castrum” type city, designed as a military fortress, is an attractive living center unlike its counterparts. There are social areas such as theatre, bath, bazaar, library, forum areas, entertainment centers in the city. The flamboyant life of the city, which was hoped to attract the Berbers, reached its goal.
The local people, who were disturbed by the presence of the novel in the region, soon began to look for ways to live in the attractive city. The local people, who were accepted to the city for the purpose of trading, were more accustomed to the city with entrances and exits. The only requirement to live in the city is to be a Roman citizen. The people, who were attracted to the city’s charm, converted to Roman citizenship to live there. Over time, they adopted the Roman culture, came to important positions in the city and assimilated.
The Perfect Architecture of the Ancient City
One of the best preserved Roman ruins in Algeria, the ancient city is the best example of Roman urban planning. It was not built on top of another city like the colonial cities of the Roman Empire, but was built on a completely empty area. Therefore, the city, which is not under the influence of another culture and architecture, is an example of pure Roman architecture. Due to the increasing population of the city, which has turned into a trade center over time, its borders have also expanded. But despite the expansion of the borders, it was expanded in a way that it would not lose anything from its original order.
The plan of the city is divided in two by 2 main streets running perpendicular to each other. The areas where houses and buildings will be built in the city are divided into equal square parts, as if drawn with a ruler. The city, which is surrounded by walls against attacks, has 4 entrance gates. The road passing through the middle of the city is covered with Roman style columns. While the road is designed as a route for military chariots, it is also a lively place where people can walk.
In the city, which was perfectly planned for the war situation, meeting the needs of the people was not neglected. Public markets were established and various social activities were held in the forum, which is located in the center of the city. Public performances were held in the city theater with a capacity of 3500 spectators, located in the immediate vicinity of the forum. Baths were also given great importance in the city, and they were built close to the entrance gates in order to serve the travelers entering the city.
About 300 years after its establishment, it started to lose its value due to the weakening of the Roman Empire, wars and looting. After the events, it was completely abandoned towards the 8th century. Over time, it was erased from the scene of history by covering it on the desert sands.
