Sitifis (Sétif) – Mauretania Sitifensis Capital
Sitifis · Sitifensis · Sétif
Roman / Byzantine·Roman·🇩🇿 Sétif Province, High Plains, Kabylie south, Algeria
About
About Sitifis (Sétif) – Mauretania Sitifensis Capital
Veteran colonia of Nerva (97 CE) raised to capital of Mauretania Sitifensis by Diocletian. Byzantine fortress 548×416 m encloses forum under modern city; museum holds mosaic hoard; centuriation grid survives in cadastre.
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
- Nerva colonia 97 CE; Diocletian provincial capital 303 CE; Byzantine fortress 539 CE
- Period
- Roman / Byzantine
- Culture
- Roman
- Purpose
- Regional centre / fortified town and trade node
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
Nerva colonia 97 CE; Diocletian provincial capital 303 CE; Byzantine fortress 539 CE
Initial construction
c. 1697 CE
Major expansion
On the ground
Structures & features
36.1919° N · 5.4133° E · 1080 m · 2 mapped features
Byzantine Citadel Walls
fortressJustinian fortress gates with spolia
36.1925° N · 5.4140° ETemple Podium under City
templePodium excavated 1920s
36.1915° N · 5.4125° E
Gallery