Castellum Tidditanorum
Henchir Castellum
Numidian to Byzantine (2nd c. BCE–7th c. CE)·Numidian / Roman (Cirtan)·🇩🇿 Mila Province, El Mechira, Algeria
About
About Castellum Tidditanorum
Fortified castellum of the Cirtan confederation, Castellum Tidditanorum at Henchir Castellum — one of four coloniae of Cirta. Pagus walls (800×600 m) with 14 towers, forum with Severan basilica and 3rd-c. oil presses, Christian cemeteries with mosaics.
Why it mattersBest-preserved Cirtan castellum illustrating confederation system.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Beneficiarii station presence
- 02Oil estate boundaries
Theories
- 01Cirtan castella as veteran settlement (Bertrandy)
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Cirtan castellum under Micipsa 2nd c. BCE; fortified under Severans
- Period
- Numidian to Byzantine (2nd c. BCE–7th c. CE)
- Culture
- Numidian / Roman (Cirtan)
- Purpose
- Fortified agricultural village for Cirta's grain estate
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
2nd c. BCE
Cirtan castellum founded
c. 195 CE
Severan walls built (14 towers)
3rd c. CE
Oil presses installed
6th c. CE
Byzantine chapel built
On the ground
Structures & features
36.3200° N · 6.3500° E · 760 m · 2 mapped features
Walls and Towers of Tidditanorum
fortification800×600 m circuit with 14 rectangular towers 8 m
36.3210° N · 6.3510° EOil Press Complex of Tidditanorum
industrialPress battery 30×20 m with 6 lever presses
36.3190° N · 6.3490° E
Gallery