Foto: The Arch of Trajan (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Algeria - Just after midday, we arrive in Timgad. Timgad is a large Roman archaeological site and the best-preserved Roman city in this region. Because part of the remains ended up buried under a thick layer of desert sand, the city is often referred to as the “Pompeii of Africa.” Hamid is our guide in Timgad. He waits for us at the entrance and leads us along the ancient Roman roads through the complex. He shows us the old library, the various marketplaces, and many remains of houses. At the far end of the site lies the ancient amphitheatre. The acoustics are perfect when you stand in the centre. The theatre once accommodated more than three thousand spectators. Passing the Temple of Jupiter and the Trajan Arch (Arc de Trajan), we arrive at the museum. Inside, impressive mosaics found at the site are on display. Near the archaeological complex, our driver knows a simple but good little restaurant. In the counter display are several prepared dishes. I point to some chicken with pasta. From the refrigerated cabinet, I pick a drink. It is already three o’clock when we continue our journey through the mountains towards Biskra.
Roman Ruins of Djemila
Algeria - The ancient Roman city of Djémila, originally named Cuicul, was founded in the first century AD. It was initially populated by former soldiers from the Third Legion of Augustus and grew into an important regional economic hub. The city's prosperity was ...
Tassili NAjjer National Park
Algeria - At ten o’clock, we meet the crew for the coming days: a guide, a cook, and two drivers. The luggage goes into one vehicle, while the supplies are loaded in the back of a pickup truck. We divide ourselves between the two cars and drive out of Djamet. ...
The Cities in the MZab Valley
Algeria - Ghardaïa is a Berber oasis town and forms the heart of the M’Zab Valley. The fortified sister towns of Melika, Beni Isguen, Bounoura, and El Atteuf are also located here. We first visit the oldest of the five towns: El Atteuf, founded in 1012. Over ...
The Hanging Bridges of Constantine
Algeria - I had expected that today we would walk to the old center of Constantine, but the distance turns out to be too far. Instead, we drive by minibus to the Emir Abdelkader Mosque. After independence, this mosque was built in 1972 to accommodate about 20,000 ...
The Kasbah of Algiers
Algeria - In the seventeenth century, the Spaniards attacked Algiers. The Algerians called for help from the Ottomans. This led to present-day Algeria becoming part of the vast Ottoman Empire, although the country retained a special status. The Beys became the ...
The Roman City of Tipaza
Algeria - A little later, Leila comes walking toward us. She guides us to the two Roman cities. Leila explains that we will first drive to Cherchell, the farthest city from Algiers. During the French colonization, many historic Roman buildings were demolished and ...