DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY CONCEPT IN ANCIENT NORTH AFRICA (THE ROMAN CITY AS A MODEL)

Abstract : This study delves into the evolution of urban concepts in ancient North Africa, spanning from the Numidian kingdoms and Mauretania to the Roman occupation era. It explores the profound transformations within the urban systems post-Roman conquest, particularly focusing on their organizational structures. This investigation seeks to uncover the foundational purposes behind these urban developments and their impact on reinforcing the Roman presence in the region, as well as their influence on the native populations of ancient North Africa. The analysis encompasses several dimensions: the initial concept of the city in the region, its evolution during Roman rule, the architecture of Roman urban systems and their components, and the consequent effects on the cities and their inhabitants in the Maghreb. The architectural and developmental prosperities these cities enjoyed during the Roman era were largely due to Rome's strategic enhancements, such as fortifying urban centers with robust walls and establishing castles and defense mechanisms to protect against nomadic incursions, thus exacerbating the displacement and marginalization of nomads in the less fertile territories outside the city boundaries. Keywords: Roman city, ancient North Africa, Rome, Africans, urbanization