Once opulent Roman city was home to nearly 10,000 htants. Located on the high plains of Setif, between the coast and the Atlas Aures, the area was used as olive and granary to the Romans.
Built in 98, Cuicul today Djémila grows in the 3rd century, during the reign of the Emperor Caracalla. In the 4th century, the city was endowed with a Christian Basilica.
Between so distant period of the capsienne civilization and the foundation of Djemila whose name was Cuicul, completely unknown what happened. It was only during the reign of Nerva in 96-98 AD that were created the first cities Sitifis (Setif) Cuicul (Djemila) and perhaps other small towns. Djemila was mostly a veterans colony, colony called "Nervienne" (which proves its founding by Emperor Nerva), but the middle of the second century appeared people from Cirta (Constantine) and Carthage. Constructed firstly within a polygonal enclosure it comprises streets traced with regularity with parallel with a large paved road, while others cross streets intersect. In the center of the city is the forum, the Capitol judicial basilica and the market. overview Located on a rocky outcrop in the valley, it has an obvious defense. And soon the city overflowed its first pregnant and continued to transform. Place called the "Severe" was one of the most important works, with the arc of Caracalla and a fountain that was erected for the restoration of water supply in the city. Wealthy families living Cuicul vied pout add to their landscape and secular buildings Christian basilicas since Christianity was established there a long time, and baptistery dating from the late fourth century we prove much. Circular edifice its decorated hexagonal mosaic pool hosted the catechumens to receive baptism. The thickness of the walls is impressive and vaults have been restored. Beside the Baptistery are two large basilicas whose floor was decorated with mosaics which are known to have been offered by generous donors. According to Paul-Albert in February, they can be dated to the late fourth century or the beginning of Vth.
So in Cuicul, there were, forum, altars of sacrifice, basilicas, peristyle houses, spas, theater, it is the whole composition of a true Roman city. But is it not also African? It is located on a semi-regular planning and adapted to the terrain.
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