Milevum, Roman city in Algeria
Milevum is an archaeological site in Algeria that contains the remains of buildings, walls, and structures from Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. The site sits at around 460 meters in elevation and shows ruins that range from ancient city structures to defensive walls and religious buildings.
The site originated as a Roman city called Milevum within the province of Numidia, serving as an important trading and administrative hub. In the 7th century, Arab forces led by Abu al-Muhajir Dinar conquered the city and constructed Sidi Ghanem Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Algeria.
The name Milevum comes from the Latin period when a Roman settlement thrived here. Today you can see how different peoples, from Romans to Arabs and Berbers, left their marks in the streets, buildings, and places of worship that still stand.
The site remains underdeveloped for mass tourism, allowing visitors to explore the ruins in a calm setting with fewer crowds. Local guides available at the site can provide helpful information about what each ruin was used for and explain the different historical periods represented.
Sidi Ghanem Mosque, possibly built around 675 AD, is considered one of the oldest mosques in Algeria and marks the cultural shift that followed the Arab conquest. This religious structure stands on the grounds of the former Roman city, creating a direct connection between different historical periods in one place.
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