Djémila

Djémila, formerly known as Cuicul, is a remarkable archaeological site located in a mountainous region of Algeria. Established as a Roman military garrison in the 1st century CE, it presents a unique adaptation of Roman urban planning to a rugged landscape. The site features well-preserved Roman structures such as a theatre, two forums, temples, basilicas, and houses, with streets laid out in a standard Roman grid pattern. Significant developments during the 3rd century CE under Emperor Caracalla included a new forum and an external theatre. By the 5th century CE, a Christian quarter with basilicas and a baptistery was established, highlighting the site's religious evolution. The city's decline commenced after the fall of the Roman Empire, though some fortifications were improved under Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century CE. Djémila's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its historical and architectural significance.