Caesarea Mauretaniae (Cherchell)
Iol · Caesarea · Cherchell · Shershel
Phoenician / Numidian / Roman·Mauretanian / Roman·🇩🇿 Tipaza Province, Mediterranean coast 90 km W of Algiers, Algeria
About
About Caesarea Mauretaniae (Cherchell)
Splendid royal capital of Juba II and Cleopatra Selene (25 BCE) then capital of Mauretania Caesariensis, with harbour, great theatre, amphitheatre and museums of Greek copies. Phoenician Iol succeeded by Augustan monumental grid. Royal Mausoleum 4 km east links dynasty.
Why it mattersSignificant regional centre illustrating cultural transition.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology refinement
- 02Function of enclosures
Theories
- 01Trade corridor model
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Phoenician Iol 6th c BCE; Juba II refounds as Caesarea c.25 BCE; colonia under Claudius 40 CE
- Period
- Phoenician / Numidian / Roman
- Culture
- Mauretanian / Roman
- Purpose
- Regional centre / fortified town and trade node
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
Phoenician Iol 6th c BCE; Juba II refounds as Caesarea c.25 BCE; colonia under Claudius 40 CE
Initial construction
c. 1445 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
36.6075° N · 2.1900° E · 30 m · 3 mapped features
Roman Theatre of Caesarea
theatreAugustean theatre 145 m diam on slope
36.6065° N · 2.1895° EWestern Harbour Moles
harbourSubmerged Punic–Roman moles at -2 m
36.6082° N · 2.1925° EAqueduct of Cherchell
aqueduct45 km aqueduct from Chabet Ilelouine springs
36.6050° N · 2.1850° E
Gallery