The city of Tipasa, whose Phoenician name means “stopping place,” has its origins in the Punic period between the 4th and 5th centuries BC. Like many other Numidian cities, it was built on high ground for strategic reasons, allowing its inhabitants to monitor the surrounding plains and defend against potential attacks. In the early 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Trajan, a Roman city was built on the ruins of the old Numidian town. In 173 AD, Tipasa attained the status of a Roman municipality. Its strategic position and thriving economy made it an important center in the region. The city was connected by numerous roads to neighboring cities, notably Tifast (Tebessa), Hipporegios (Annaba), and Taghset (Souk Ahras). Tipasa’s economy was largely based on agriculture, as evidenced by the remains of olive oil presses discovered at the site. The oil produced was exported, contributing to the city’s prosperity. In 534 AD, the Byzantines occupied the city and built a fortress serving as a strategic defense line. Later, in the 8th century, the city came under the control of the Zirid state. The current name of the city, Tiffech, is said to be linked to the geologist Ahmed Shihab al-Din al-Tifashi (1253), a renowned scholar from the region, author of works on minerals and precious stones, as well as literary and poetic texts. Today, Tiffech is an archaeological site located 33 km from Souk Ahras. Its rich history and strategic and economic importance make it a valuable witness to the region’s history, from the Numidian era to the medieval period.
The city of Tipasa, whose Phoenician name means “stopping place,” has its origins in the Punic period between the 4th and 5th centuries BC. Like many other Numidian cities, it was built on high ground for strategic reasons, allowing its inhabitants to monitor the surrounding plains and defend against potential attacks. In the early 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Trajan, a Roman city was built on the ruins of the old Numidian town. In 173 AD, Tipasa attained the status of a Roman municipality. Its strategic position and thriving economy made it an important center in the region. The city was connected by numerous roads to neighboring cities, notably Tifast (Tebessa), Hipporegios (Annaba), and Taghset (Souk Ahras). Tipasa’s economy was largely based on agriculture, as evidenced by the remains of olive oil presses discovered at the site. The oil produced was exported, contributing to the city’s prosperity. In 534 AD, the Byzantines occupied the city and built a fortress serving as a strategic defense line. Later, in the 8th century, the city came under the control of the Zirid state. The current name of the city, Tiffech, is said to be linked to the geologist Ahmed Shihab al-Din al-Tifashi (1253), a renowned scholar from the region, author of works on minerals and precious stones, as well as literary and poetic texts. Today, Tiffech is an archaeological site located 33 km from Souk Ahras. Its rich history and strategic and economic importance make it a valuable witness to the region’s history, from the Numidian era to the medieval period.
