Timgad
Algeria · Batna · 1070 m
Description
Timgad is a Roman colony on the high plains south of the Aurès mountains, founded by Trajan for retired legionaries and laid out as an almost perfect grid. Because the desert covered it and no later town was built on top, the plan survives intact, which is why it is often called the “Pompeii of Africa”. The paved cardo and decumanus, a 3,500 seat theatre, twelve bath complexes, a forum with gaming boards carved into the flagstones and the free standing arch of Trajan all remain. A Byzantine fortress and a good site museum of mosaics stand at the edge of the ruins.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 day
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – May or September – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Timgad Archaeological Site (UNESCO)
- Arch of Trajan
- Roman Theatre of Thamugadi
- Timgad Museum mosaics
- Forum & gaming board flagstones
- Cardo Maximus colonnade
- Capitoline Temple
- Great North Baths
- Library of Timgad
- Byzantine Fortress
- Donatist Cathedral
- Lambaesis Roman legionary camp(Day trip)
- Medracen royal mausoleum(Day trip)
- Ghoufi Balconies canyon(Day trip)
Getting there
- Nearest airports:
- BLJ, CZL