Where are the ruins of the Roman city of Timgad?

Timgad (also known as Marciana Traiana Thamugadi) was a Roman city in the Aurès Mountains of Algeria. Founded around 100 CE, Timgad initially served as a military colony in the Aurès Mountains. Its intended purpose was to serve as a Roman bastion against the Berbers in the nearby mountains.

The city was originally populated mostly by Roman veterans. Eventually the population expanded to over 10,000 residents and included not only Romans, but also colonists from Africa and other parts of the Roman Empire.

Originally named Colonia Marciana Ulpia Traiana Thamugadi, the city was founded by Roman Emperor Trajan and named in honor of his mother, father, and sister. Trajan’s grid-style city planning is still visible today. As can be seen in the photo, the streets were laid out in squares, and paved with limestone slabs.

Timgad was destroyed by the Vandals c. 430 CE., rebuilt in the sixth century, then destroyed again (by Berbers from the Aurès Mountains) at the end of the 5th century. The city was abandoned sometime in the 8th century CE. Afterward, portions of the city were gradually buried, and thereby preserved, by drifting sand.

The city was discovered by British explorer James Bruce in December of 1765. He was likely the first European to see the city in centuries. French colonists took control of the site in 1881, and maintained it until 1960. During that time, systematic excavations were begun.

Timgad was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.