Altava (Ouled Mimoun) – Mauretanian Frontier
Altava · Lamiggiga · Ouled Mimoun
Roman to Vandal–Mauretanian Kingdom (1st c – 7th c CE)·Roman / Mauretanian–Berber kingdom of Altava·🇩🇿 Tlemcen Province, 30 km east of Tlemcen, Tafna valley, Algeria
About
About Altava (Ouled Mimoun) – Mauretanian Frontier
Most westerly Roman castrum in Algeria, Altava became 6th c Mauretanian kingdom capital of chieftain Masuna rex gentium Mauraorum, with Latin church inscriptions documenting Romano-Berber continuity. Recorded context — Period: Roman to Vandal–Mauretanian Kingdom (1st c – 7th c CE); Culture: Roman / Mauretanian–Berber kingdom of Altava; Field status: partially excavated; Materials: limestone, sandstone; Condition: ramparts, basilica with mosaics, palace foundations.
Why it mattersKey Roman to Vandal–Mauretanian Kingdom (1st c – 7th c CE) site illustrating Roman / Mauretanian–Berber kingdom of Altava urbanism and frontier castrum then berber kingdom capital controlling tafna pass to morocco.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Altavan kingdom extent to Volubilis?
Theories
- 01Camps' Mauretania Tingitana buffer 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
- Roman castra 1st c CE; capital of Berber kingdom of Altava c. 550 CE
- Period
- Roman to Vandal–Mauretanian Kingdom (1st c – 7th c CE)
- Culture
- Roman / Mauretanian–Berber kingdom of Altava
- Builders
- Roman
- Purpose
- Frontier castrum then Berber kingdom capital controlling Tafna pass to Morocco
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
Roman castra 1st c CE; capital of Berber kingdom of Altava c. 550 CE
Initial construction / foundation
20th century
Modern archaeological survey and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
34.9100° N · 1.0300° W · 720 m · 3 mapped features
- Altava (Ouled Mimoun) — Principal GategateMain gate and rampart section at Altava (Ouled Mimoun) – Mauretanian Frontier34.9106° N · 1.0294° W
- Altava (Ouled Mimoun) — Central Forum/BasilicaforumForum–basilica complex at Altava (Ouled Mimoun) – Mauretanian Frontier34.9100° N · 1.0300° W
- Altava (Ouled Mimoun) — Baths/CisternsbathsBaths and cistern cluster at Altava (Ouled Mimoun) – Mauretanian Frontier34.9094° N · 1.0306° W
Gallery