Roman era

Gunugu, on the Algerian coast near Gouraya, is significant as a former Roman settlement.^[12] Founded by Emperor Augustus, Gunugu was originally known as a small town for veterans.^[13] Despite this imperial backing, Gunugu did not experience significant growth under Roman rule. Its proximity to Caesarea, the provincial capital, probably limited its development.

The Roman town was much larger. Outside the ramparts, we still come across cisterns, ashlars and, to the south-east, a few shafts and soft, crude capitals in the decadent Ionic order, which seem to have belonged originally to a Christian church or chapel from around the 5th century: at this time, Gunugu was a bishopric. Quarries were exploited at the end of the promontory that bears the necropolis described later in this text.

Medieval period

Over time, Gunugu underwent changes in government and name,^[14] eventually becoming known as Brechk under Muslim rule.^[15] However, it remained a focus of regional conflict, as evidenced by its capture by Roger II of Sicily in 1144.^[16]

In the late 15th century, Gunugu saw an influx of refugees, mainly Moors fleeing from Andalusia.^[17] This demographic change gave a temporary boost to the city's economy and culture. Industries such as textile production flourished, as did agriculture in the surrounding fertile lands.^[18] In addition, Gunugu became known for its corsairs who operated along the North African coast. This period of prosperity was short-lived, however, as the city fell to the onslaught of the Knights of St Stephen in 1610, leading to its eventual decline.

Archaeological finds

The remnants of Gunugu's ancient past are scattered across the landscape,^[19] bearing witness to its rich history. Both Roman and Berber influences can be seen among the ruins, with traces of pottery, masonry and infrastructure. The sanctuary of Sidi Brahim, built from ancient materials, is particularly noteworthy, as are the remains of Roman reservoirs and an aqueduct. Despite the city's eventual decline, these archaeological remains offer a glimpse of its former grandeur and cultural heritage.

Necropolises

Gunugu boasts several ancient burial grounds that shed light on the various funerary practices prevalent in the region.^[20][21] The necropolises reveal a mixture of Phoenician and indigenous burial customs, with tombs carved into tufa rock. Some tombs have adjacent pits, suggesting communal burial practices. The presence of mixed bone remains indicates a complex interplay of cremation and non-cremation burial rites, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of the city's inhabitants.

Hydraulic works

In the Larhat (formerly Vileborug) region, remnants of an ancient dam, constructed with rubble, lime, and sand, were found near Toued Mellah.^[22] This dam supplied water to the city of Gunugu (now Sidi-Brahim) via a canal constructed above the current road, lined with stone masonry and internally asphalted with crushed brick and lime. However, successive ground subsidence and seismic movements have largely destroyed this structure. Near the border between Larhat (formerly Vileborug) and Gouraya, the canal passed through a tunnel under a hill, where it remains relatively well preserved.

On the Harbil wadi, the remains of a small dam were discovered, likely intended to irrigate gardens on the left bank of the wadi. In the Gouraya region, traces of a reservoir basin, possibly used for irrigation, were found between the Messelmoun and Sebt wadis.

In the Menaceur (formerly Marceau) region, irrigation along the banks of the Rouman wadi was facilitated by a 7 to 8-meter-long dam. Ruins of an ancient aqueduct were also observed along the Aïzer wadi, with intact arches at both ends, as well as remnants of canalization along its left bank. Near Menaceur (formerly Marceau), the Zélazel wadi was diverted, and the canal remains visible above the current road. Similarly, the Zaouïa wadi was diverted, with remnants of the canal visible along the route from Zurich to Menaceur (formerly Marceau). These canals converged near the Bocquet farm and continued through the mountains, valleys, and aqueducts to Caesarea, providing water to the city. Additionally, remnants of a dam on the Zaouïa wadi, located 500 to 600 meters downstream from the diversion point, were found, though their significance and purpose remain unclear.

Trade and commerce

Gunugu's archaeological record attests to its importance as a vibrant centre of trade and commerce in the ancient Mediterranean world. Imported pottery from Italy, including finely crafted vases and vessels, provides tangible evidence of maritime links and commercial exchange. While Roman-era treaties restricted direct Roman access to African ports, Gunugu probably served as an intermediary hub, receiving goods via Carthaginian merchants. This underlines the city's key role in facilitating trade networks and cultural exchange across the region.

References

Bibliography

• Ghaki, Mansour (2015), "Toponymie et Onomastique Libyques: L'Apport de l'Écriture Punique/Néopunique" (PDF), La Lingua nella Vita e la Vita della Lingua: Itinerari e Percorsi degli Studi Berberi, Studi Africanistici: Quaderni di Studi Berberi e Libico-Berberi, vol. No. 4, Naples: Unior, pp. 65–71, ISBN 978-88-6719-125-3, ISSN 2283-5636, archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-04-28, retrieved 2018-11-02 {{citation}}: |volume= has extra text (help). (in French)

This article about a location in Algiers Province is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

• v
• t
• e