Timgad is an impressive area of Roman ruins. Begun in the first century by the emperor Trajan, the site was one of the most developed on the fringes of the Roman Empire. Thamugadis finally fell into disuse and lay buried for more than a thousand years.
It was uncovered in 1765. Today you can still follow the street plans of the old city (look for the cart-wheel ruts in the pavement stones of the main roadways) and see the triumphal Arch of Trajan. Remains of thermal baths, the forum, public latrines and a theater can still be seen. Also in the area are the ruins of
Tazoult-Lambese, but if you only have time to visit one or the other, Timgad is more impressive.
20 mi/30 km south of Constantine.