Djémila in Algeria

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Djemila la Belle (Algerian Tourism)
Musée et Ruines Romaines de Djemila

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1982
Size of heritage: 31 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 5,737°
Latitude: 36,321°

Summary

Situated 900 m above sea-level, Djémila, or Cuicul, with its forum, temples, basilicas, triumphal arches and houses, is an interesting example of Roman town planning adapted to a mountain location.

Location on Map

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Introduction

Djémila is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Wilaya of Setif, Algeria. This ancient Roman city, also known as Cuicul, is renowned for its well-preserved ruins and historical significance. Djémila is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Algeria and attracts visitors from around the world.

History

Djémila was founded in the first century AD as a Roman military colony. It served as an important outpost for the Roman Empire and played a crucial role in the region's defense. The city prospered under Roman rule and became a thriving center of trade and commerce.

During the third century AD, Djémila experienced a period of significant growth and development. Many public buildings, including a theater, basilicas, temples, and houses, were constructed during this time. The city became an important administrative and cultural center in the region.

With the decline of the Roman Empire in the fifth century AD, Djémila faced numerous challenges. It was invaded by various tribes and suffered from political instability. The city gradually declined and was eventually abandoned in the seventh century AD.

Current State

Today, Djémila stands as a remarkable archaeological site that provides valuable insights into the Roman civilization in North Africa. The ruins of the city are remarkably well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

One of the most prominent features of Djémila is its theater, which could accommodate up to 3,000 spectators. The theater is still used for cultural events and performances, allowing visitors to experience the historical ambiance of the site.

The city's forum, or central square, is another highlight of Djémila. Surrounded by colonnades and adorned with statues, the forum was the heart of the city's social and political life. It is a fascinating place to explore and imagine the bustling activity that once took place there.

Other notable structures in Djémila include the Temple of Venus, the Capitol, and the House of Bacchus. These buildings showcase the architectural prowess of the Romans and provide a glimpse into their religious and cultural practices.

The site is well-maintained and offers informative signage to guide visitors through the ruins. There is also a museum on-site that displays artifacts discovered during excavations, providing further context to the history of Djémila.

Conclusion

Djémila is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient Roman civilization in Algeria. Its well-preserved ruins and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers. Djémila stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Algeria and serves as a reminder of the region's historical importance.

Videos from the area

Cuicul Curculum (Djemila)

Published: November 24, 2012
Length: 26:01 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Luciusdjidji

https://www.facebook.com/Zinozino?ref=tn_tnmn https://twitter.com/Luciusdjidji https://plus.google.com/u/0/?tab=XX Cuicul est la plus grande ville Romaine en Afrique du Nord après Carthage....

djemila en 1948

Published: February 19, 2013
Length: 02:58 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: ammar boumendjeh

فيديو لمدينة جميلة الاثرية في سنة 1948 لمزيد من المعلومات www.facebook.com/roman.ruins.djemila Video of the city of djemila in 1948.

Sortie A Djemila (Cilina - Lina- Tamim- Sami- Hamza) 03-05-2013

Published: May 06, 2013
Length: 13:05 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: HALIM AKSSEL

une belle sortie sur la nappe archio de djemila ce jour le 03/05/2013 avec nos perles et chers adorables gosses .

Site antique de Djemila - Couleurs d'Algérie - جميلة - ألوان الجزائر

Published: August 06, 2010
Length: 26:16 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Abdelkhalek Labbize

Djemila - Site antique - Sétif - Algérie - Abdelkhalek Abdou Labbize - http://www.labbize.net.

Tours-TV.com: Djemila

Published: December 25, 2014
Length: 00:00 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: ToursTV Com

Many sights worth attention in Djemila: the temple of Septimius Severus and his wife, the forum, the Christian basilica, the Triumphal Arch of Emperor Caracalla. Algeria. See on map http://tours-t...