Timgad

About

Founded by Roman Emperor Trajan around 100 CE, Timgad was a beacon of Roman culture on the plains of Algeria. Its 10,000 inhabitants were housed on a perfectly planned grid, with all the typical Roman amenities, like temples, bathhouses, a public library, markets, theater, and forum. Timgad’s peaceful and prosperous existence was brought to an end in the 5th century when it was first sacked by the Vandals, and then destroyed by the Berbers. After a short Christian rebirth, the Arab invasion in the 8th century finished off Timgad for good. Preserved by the sands of time, Timgad offers an amazing look at Roman life. Not only will you see the last surviving ruins of a Roman library in North Africa, but if you scale the theater, you get a bird's eye view of the perfect city plan. Before entering the archaeological site, be sure to visit the museum to see artifacts and mosaics unearthed here!