Timgad (redirected from Thamugadi)

Timgad (tĭm`găd), ancient Thamugadi, ruined city, Algeria, S of Constantine. It is sometimes called the Pompeii of North Africa because of the extensive remains of the Roman city founded here by Trajan in A.D. 100. This city was destroyed by Berbers in the 7th cent. and was unknown until excavations were begun in 1881. Its Roman ruins, which include a triumphal arch, public baths, a theater, a library, and a forum, are the best preserved and most extensive in Africa.

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Timgad 

(ancient name, Thamugadi; known to the Romans as Colonia Marciana Traiana Thamugas), an ancient city in northern Africa, situated 25 km from the modern city of Batna in Algeria. The city was founded circa A.D. 100 during the reign of the emperor Trajan and flourished mainly during the second and third centuries. After being destroyed by the Berbers in the fifth century, it was rebuilt by the Byzantines and was ultimately destroyed by the Arabs in the seventh century.

Originally almost square in shape (approximately 360 × 330 m), Timgad had a strictly regular grid-type layout. Its ruins, which were covered by drifting sand, are well preserved. They include remains of a forum, a capítol, and a triumphal arch built in honor of Trajan (restored 1900), as well as remains of a theater, a basilica, thermae, and dwellings. Byzantine structures include a square citadel with eight towers and ruins of Christian churches. Many Roman inscriptions, as well as mosaics, sculptures, and bronze ornaments, were found in Timgad’s ruins.

REFERENCE

Courtois, C. Timgad, antique Thamugadi. Algiers, 1955.