The ancient and spectacular city of Timgad in the country of Algiers is Rome's largest city in North Africa. Created in 100 AD by the Emperor Trajan 98 to 117 AD. For some centuries the city was partially buried by the desert sands until it's rediscovery by the Scotsman James Bruce in 1765. This was the ancient Roman city of Thamugadi now Timgad. Originally built as part of a Roman plan to appease and even seduce the local population, by means of promoting the Roman citizen's lifestyle of such virtues as equality among it's people. This was a town for army veterans and for a period of twenty five years, a former legionnaire might expect an equal division of land to his neighbour with housing blocks in the well planned city of an equal 20 meters square. There was the free public baths, regular citizens meetings and games at the forum, there was also the open air theatre with seating for over 3500 people where they could frequently see, often violent and immoral productions. No doubt, effective and probably very appealing to the local population.
At the heart of the city stands the mighty arch of Trajan, the three arched gateway, a surviving relic of the city former glories. There is an inscription devoted to Trajan and Rome's need for continuous expansion.
As with other Roman provinces, North Africa, was encouraged to become a granary to serve the empire, with typical produce being Olive Oil, Grain and Wine, etc.
Eventually Rome lost control of North Africa, through, dispute, wars and invasion, the city being finaly burnt and destroyed by local tribesmen.
No comments:
Post a Comment