Lamasba
Henchir Merouana · Lamasba Aqueduct
Roman (2nd c. CE–7th c. CE)·Roman (Numidia)·🇩🇿 Batna Province, Merouana, Algeria
About
About Lamasba
Roman municipium Lamasba at Merouana, celebrated for the 220 CE Lamasba Water Law inscription — unique Roman statute regulating irrigation rotation during drought. Aqueduct (3 km) from Aurès springs, cisterns and nymphaeum.
Why it mattersOnly surviving Roman irrigation law, cornerstone for desert water studies.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Drought frequency triggering law
- 02Upstream spring capture
Theories
- 01Imperial intervention in local water dispute (Shaw)
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Municipium under Caracalla 211–217 CE; aqueduct 2nd c.
- Period
- Roman (2nd c. CE–7th c. CE)
- Culture
- Roman (Numidia)
- Purpose
- Irrigated grain town in Aurès piedmont
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
211 CE
Municipium under Caracalla
220 CE
Elagabalus water-law inscribed
3rd c. CE
Aqueduct extended 3 km
6th c. CE
Byzantine church built over forum
On the ground
Structures & features
35.6330° N · 5.9170° E · 980 m · 2 mapped features
Lamasba Water-Law Inscription Wall
inscriptionMarble slab with 220 CE rotation statute, 1.5×1.0 m
35.6340° N · 5.9180° ELamasba Aqueduct
aqueduct3 km arched aqueduct with settling basins
35.6320° N · 5.9150° E