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Principia of the Legionary Base at Lambaesis
The legionary base at Lambaesis in modern-day Algeria was founded shortly before Hadrian's (r. 117-138 CE) visit to the North African provinces in 128 CE. It was the camp of the third legion (Legio III Augusta). The camp covered an area of 21 hectares (51 acres) and had a defensive wall measuring 500 x 420 m (1640 x 1377.95 ft). The principia, entered through an impressive rectangular building, was set around a courtyard with porticoes along three sides. Around the principia were small rooms which served as offices and armouries (armamentaria).