Ruins of Djemila, AlgeriaSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dj%C3%A9mila.29.jpg
Author: Michel-Georges Bernard
Djemila (GPS: 36.31671, 5.73632), also known as
Cuicul, is an ancient Roman town in Algeria. Located 900 meters above sea level, Djemila was insribed as a World Heritage Site in 1982 as a unique showcase of how Roman architecture is adapted to the mountainous terrain. It is regarded as one of the best-preserved Berbero-Roman ruins.
What to See in Djemila
Ruins of ancient Roman forum, temples, basilica, arches and dwellings which were adapted to the mountain location of Djemila.
Etymology of Djemila
Djémila means "the beautiful one". It is also known as Cuicul or Curculum in Latin.
History of Djemila
Djemila was known as Cuicul by the Romans that built it in the first century AD. It was a military garrison for the area. The Roman builders designed two main streets, Cardo Maximus and Decumanus Maximus. Founded as a military town, Cuicul eventually became a trading centre where farm produce such as cereals and olive were traded.
Cuicul was gradually abandoned with the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th and 6th centuries. As the region was taken over by the Muslims, they renamed it Djemila, which means "beautiful" in Arabic.
Location of Djemila
Djemila is located in the mountains near the northern coast, to the east of the city of Algiers.
Djemila World Heritage Site Inscription Details
Location:
N36 19 14.016 E5 44 12.012
Inscription Year:
1982
Type of Site:
Cultural
Inscription Criteria: III, IV
Roman ruins of Djemila, AlgeriaSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dj%C3%A9mila.28.jpg
Author: Michel-Georges Bernard
Copyright ©
2003-2025 Timothy Tye. All Rights Reserved.