Zarai
Zraia · Zeraia · Zarai Tariff Inscription
Numidian to Byzantine (2nd c. BCE–7th c. CE)·Numidian / Roman·🇩🇿 Sétif Province (former), Zraia / Mila, Algeria
About
About Zarai
Numidian customs station Zarai at Zraia, famous for the 202 CE Zarai Tariff inscription (longest Latin customs law, regulating transhumance duties). Fortified caravanserai (80×50 m) with 2 m thick walls, cisterns and chapel. Controlled Hodna pass.
Why it mattersLongest surviving Roman customs tariff, key to Numidian pastoral economy.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Tariff rates interpretation debate
- 02Pre-Roman shrine beneath chapel
Theories
- 01Septimius Severus formalized nomad taxation (de Laet)
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Numidian pass fort; customs station under Septimius Severus 202 CE
- Period
- Numidian to Byzantine (2nd c. BCE–7th c. CE)
- Culture
- Numidian / Roman
- Purpose
- Transhumance toll station on Hodna–Sétif corridor
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
2nd c. BCE
Numidian pass fort
202 CE
Zarai Tariff law inscribed (Septimius Severus)
4th c. CE
Chapel built in fort
6th c. CE
Byzantine refortification
On the ground
Structures & features
36.0500° N · 5.8500° E · 860 m · 2 mapped features
Zarai Tariff Slab
inscriptionInscribed limestone slab 1.8×0.8 m with customs law of 202 CE
36.0510° N · 5.8510° EZarai Caravanserai Fort
fortressFortified station 80×50 m with cisterns
36.0490° N · 5.8490° E
Gallery