Altava

Altava was an ancient Roman city and the capital of the Berber kingdom of Altava, located in modern-day Algeria. Named Lamoriciere at the time of the French presence, itis located at Ouled Mimoun near Tlemcen.

History

Altava was located in western Mauretania Caesariensis on the Roman road from strategic Theveste to Numerus Syrorum (actual Maghnia). Altava was a city populated mainly by Berbers under Septimius Severus, with a small Roman garrison. The garrison -according to historian M. Ruiu- was the Cohors II Sardorum and protected the new lines of the Roman empire moved south from the Mediterranean shores to a military road called Nova Praetentura. This road went from Rapidum in Numidia to Altava and Numerus Syrorum at the border of Mauretania Tingitana.

Altava, according to historian Lawless, was a vicus that achieved independent status from the castrum-fort of the garrison and had a huge Forum and an important pagan temple, later converted into a Christian church. The Roman settlement had an area of nearly 13 hectares and was surrounded by farms.