Nestled in the wilaya of Jijel, 7 km south of the commune of Settara, the archaeological site of Aïn Tissillil holds the remains of an ancient Roman city still largely unexplored. Spanning approximately 8 hectares, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into life in ancient Numidia.

Location and Description

Accessible from the village of Agouf, Aïn Tissillil gradually reveals itself to the visitor. Rows of carved stones and dry stone walls emerge from the ground, outlining the ancient dwellings. A central road seems to divide the site into two distinct parts.

Although most of the ruins are buried, the remains of various monuments can be distinguished, including an oil mill and baths. Fragments of mosaics are scattered across the site, bearing witness to the city’s past wealth.

Historical Significance

Aïn Tissillil likely served as an important stop along the Roman road connecting Mila (Milev) to Collo (Chullu). The funerary inscriptions discovered on-site reveal the presence of members of the Quirina tribe, also attested in the Cirta confederation, suggesting close ties between these communities.

Epigraphic Discoveries

Several funerary steles have been unearthed, providing valuable insights into the inhabitants of the city:

The epitaph of Marcus Clodius, a centurion of the Quirina tribe
The stele of Quintus Julius Maximinus, who died at 45 years old
The inscription dedicated to Caius Julius Felix, who died at 80 years old
The tombstone of Fabia Procula, who lived 71 years

Nestled in the wilaya of Jijel, 7 km south of the commune of Settara, the archaeological site of Aïn Tissillil holds the remains of an ancient Roman city still largely unexplored. Spanning approximately 8 hectares, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into life in ancient Numidia.

Location and Description

Accessible from the village of Agouf, Aïn Tissillil gradually reveals itself to the visitor. Rows of carved stones and dry stone walls emerge from the ground, outlining the ancient dwellings. A central road seems to divide the site into two distinct parts.

Although most of the ruins are buried, the remains of various monuments can be distinguished, including an oil mill and baths. Fragments of mosaics are scattered across the site, bearing witness to the city’s past wealth.

Historical Significance

Aïn Tissillil likely served as an important stop along the Roman road connecting Mila (Milev) to Collo (Chullu). The funerary inscriptions discovered on-site reveal the presence of members of the Quirina tribe, also attested in the Cirta confederation, suggesting close ties between these communities.

Epigraphic Discoveries

Several funerary steles have been unearthed, providing valuable insights into the inhabitants of the city:

The epitaph of Marcus Clodius, a centurion of the Quirina tribe
The stele of Quintus Julius Maximinus, who died at 45 years old
The inscription dedicated to Caius Julius Felix, who died at 80 years old
The tombstone of Fabia Procula, who lived 71 years

Categorized in:

historical monuments,

Last Update: 27 September 2024

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