While presently a thriving seaport for the export of minerals and ore, the true essence of Annaba is to be found in the sprawling ruins of the ancient city of Hippo Regius. This city once contained magnificent villas, such as the Villa of the Labyrinth and the Villa of the Procurator. These were formerly perched right above the sea, but over millennia the waters have receded, just as the succession of Mediterranean dynasties did. Hippo Regius transcended Phoenician, Roman, Vandal, Byzantine and Arab rule.
Explore the archaeological site of Hippo Regius, the colony of kings, and see the famous Basilica of St. Augustine. Hippo was a Tyrian colony on the west coast of the bay to which it gave its name: Hipponensis Sinus, first settled by the Phoenicians probably in the 12th century BC. The surname Regius "of the King" was bestowed on it as one of the places where the Numidian Kings resided. Thus Hippo Regius is the ancient name of the modern city of Annaba (or Bône). A maritime city near the mouth of the river Ubus, it became a Roman "colonia" which prospered and became a major city in Roman Africa.
It is perhaps most famous as the bishopric of the philosopher and theologian Augustine of Hippo. In the summer of 430, the Vandals were besieging the city of Hippo as the aged bishop lay dying within. Shortly after the bishop's death, the Vandals captured the city under King Geiseric after an 18-month siege and made it the capital of the Vandal Kingdom in Northern Africa between 431 and 439.
Walk through this site, which is believed to have a surface area of 60 hectares of which only 25 hectares have been excavated. The Forum (the largest in the Maghreb measuring 76 x 43 meters), the Baths, the Theatre, the Christian quarters with its large Basilica and the rich quarter, located at what used to be the water's edge, now covered with alluvial deposits.
Note the very large paving slabs - it is said that elephants were used to transport these. Remains of cisterns and aqueducts can be seen. These brought water to the city from the nearby mountain range of Edough. Next, drive to the imposing Basilica of St. Augustine perched on a hill overlooking Annaba, which brings to mind the contemporary Basilica of Sacre Coeur in Paris.
Annaba was called Hippo Regius during Roman times and it was the centre of early Christianity. St Augustine was bishop here from 396 until 430. A relic of his wrist bone can be found inside the Basilica.
May 21st. Annaba,.Algeria
A morning at sea. Chris did a short stretching class, five others and a very silent instructor!! After breakfast, still outside, there was a talk on Movers and Shakers re conservation and preservation by David Goffe- based on US people. Then Chris went to Yvonne's Art class to finish her painting of Somerville Bear, but had to do it quickly as she felt slightly sea sick. Then laid down in the cabin till lunch time.
The Algerians were a bit suspicious of the ship, there being over 50 officials on the quayside, including some 20 to check passports and ships clearance. And 2 Algerian doctors in full anti-covid PPE
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We left the ship with a police escort, to the Hippo Regius site, which dates from approx, 300 to 500 AD. This had been excavated partially by the French up to 1958 but no work had been undertaken since then. The museum did house several splendid mosaics. David loaded up with a days extra calories on the refreshments provided. A quick drive through the city centre on our escorted drive back, resulting in extra traffic jams for the locals.
Apart from the (very useful) police escort to get us to the archeological site, we had a number, perhaps 6 of assorted spooks who took photos of us from a distance As far as I could determine, they worked for different parts of Algerian Intelligence. The BRI policeman seen in one of the photos is from The Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI) , a shock group inspired by the French BIS. The BIS was created in 2005 to replace the Police Special Intervention Unit (UISP) which was disbanded earlier.
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Hippo Regius
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Enjoyed dinner with Neil and Linda