Arch of Trajan in Timgad

Illustration

Carole Raddato
by
published on 27 January 2023
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The so-called Arch of Trajan of Timgad was actually built during the reign of Septimius Severus (r. 193-211 CE). The structure is a three-vaulted triumphal arch built at the west end of the decumanus (the east-west oriented road of the town). The central opening was for wheel traffic, while the side openings were for pedestrians.

Timgad (Roman Thamugadi) lies on the northern slopes of the Aurès Mountains in present-day Algeria. Emperor Trajan founded the city as a military colony in 100 CE. With its square enclosure, orthogonal design, and two main roads, the cardo and the decumanus, crossing at right angles through the city, Timgad is a model town planning based on a grid system.

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About the Author

Carole Raddato
Carole maintains the popular ancient history photo-blog Following Hadrian, where she travels the ancient world in the footsteps of Emperor Hadrian.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Raddato, C. (2023, January 27). Arch of Trajan in Timgad. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16947/arch-of-trajan-in-timgad/

Chicago Style

Raddato, Carole. "Arch of Trajan in Timgad." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified January 27, 2023. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16947/arch-of-trajan-in-timgad/.

MLA Style

Raddato, Carole. "Arch of Trajan in Timgad." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 27 Jan 2023. Web. 29 Oct 2024.

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