Site visited December 2013. The Arabic name of the ancient Roman city of Cuicul is Djémila which means ”beautiful”. The site really matches its newer name because it is probably the most beautiful and scenic of all the Roman sites in Algeria. I think it is also one of the top three Roman sites of Africa.

Cuicul was an ancient Roman colony and a military garrison founded in the 1st century. It is built on an altitude of 900 metres on a narrow triangular plateau. The city is well adapted to the mountainous location at the confluence of two rivers. During the 3rd century the city expanded beyond its original location. A New (Severan) Forum was built to the southern end of the city, and a theatre was built outside the city walls because there was not enough space inside the walls. In the 4th century the city grew even further with so called Christian quarters.

After the entrance gate, which is the highest point of the site, are the Christian quarters with a circular Baptistery building and the Great Baths. On top of the hill opens a view over the ancient city with some nice mountain landscapes on the background. In the centre of Djémila is the Severan Forum with Temple of Severan Family and the Triumphal Arch of Caracalla. To the east from the Severan Forum, hidden behind a hill, is a steep theatre for 3000 spectators. To the north from the Severan Forum the colonnade street of Cardo Maximus leads downhill towards the Old Forum. Around the Old Forum are some notable buildings: Temple of Venus Genetrix, Capitol and Cosinius Market.

Visiting Djémila was an enjoyable experience both because of the great ruins and also because of a beautiful setting. The first thing I noticed was mountainous setting which makes Djémila more interesting than the flat landscape of Timgad. Djémila is not too long distance from Constantine which makes it very enjoyable and easy day trip. While Timgad was almost empty of visitors there were lots of local tourists and school groups in Djémila which created more lively atmosphere.

For me the highlight of Djémila is first and foremost the ensemble of Severan Forum with the Triumphal Arch of Caracalla and the Temple of Severan Family. The other memorable things were the colonnade streets with mountain landscapes on the background, the skillfully carved altar on the Old Forum, and countless Roman inscriptions on memorial stones and tablets which were really fascinating. Some of the inscriptions looked so fresh like they were written recently.

After the ruins I visited the Museum of Djémila which is located next to entrance and parking place. And it was open, on contrary of the case in Timgad. It is small but it contains some great Roman mosaics and statues. The museum is a bit shabby but certainly worth a visit.

How to Get There

The most convenient way get to Djémila is to get a private driver from Constantine. A hotel receptionist arranged me a car and a driver from Constantine to Djémila and back. It costed about 40 euros. The drive time is about two hours one way, and the driver waited me for three hours at the site.

Visiting Djemila as a day trip by public transport should be quite easy and straightforward. You have to take a bus or shared taxi to Setif (50 kilometres from Djémila) or El Eulma (20 kilometres) and hire a taxi from there. Remember that a basic skills of French are essential for example when negotiating with drivers.

While You Are There

Setif is a one of the major cities of eastern Algeria with the population of 300 000. It is a typical colonial French city with some nice buildings from that era. It is a site of an ancient Roman city of Setifis. Some remains of the Roman city of Setifis (a tentative site) can be seen on the very centre of Setif.

Constantine is the capital of eastern Algeria and the third largest city of the country. During Roman times it was called Cirta. If you visit Djémila you probably use Constantine as your base for a day trip. But if you do not, Constantine is still a must visit on this area. In this City of Bridges are one of the most breathtaking sceneries of any city of this size. Near Constantine are two interesting tentative sites: Roman site of Tiddis and the Tomb of Massinissa.