CHAPTER II
STUDY AREA
9
II. Chapter II: Study Area
II.1. Brief history of Skikda
The establishment of Rusicade or Skikda dates back to ancient times, possibly during the
Phoenician period between the 12th and 8th centuries BCE. The Phoenicians likely chose this
location for their trading post due to its elevated position overlooking the sea. They constructed
forts like Stora and Collo to facilitate their commercial activities.
During the Numidian period, the Carthaginians reinforced these forts, particularly Stora. This
marked the true beginning of urbanization. In 45 BCE, following its colonization by the
Romans, Rusicade became part of a confederation comprising four Roman colonies: Rusicade
(Skikda), Chullu (Collo), Milev (Mila), and Cirta (Constantine).
Around the 5th century CE (439), Rusicade is believed to have been destroyed by the Vandals,
who devastated much of the North African coast.
Today, remnants of the Roman era can still be found, such as the remarkably preserved Roman
theater and marble statues that miraculously escaped looting and vandalism. After the decline
of the Roman Empire, the Byzantines briefly dominated the region before their influence
waned.
The Arabization of the Skikda region took place with the arrival of Islam. The tribes in the area
belonged to the Katana tribal confederation, which welcomed the Shiite leader Aheid Allah El
Fatimi. The Almohads played a significant role in settling the originally nomadic Hilalian
tribes.
The history of the Turks in the region remains unclear, although it is known that they settled in
El Qol (Collo).
In 1938, the site of ancient Rusicade was occupied by colonial troops. The city was initially
named Port de France and later renamed Philippe Ville in honor of King Louis Philippe.
During the War of Liberation, Skikda witnessed heroic moments, including the notable
operation on August 20, 1955. However, it also experienced tragic events like the massacre at
the municipal stadium.
Today, the province still bears traces of the Phoenician and Roman civilizations that
significantly influenced the region, particularly in Skikda, Collo, and Stora (MATE, 2005).
STUDY AREA
9
II. Chapter II: Study Area
II.1. Brief history of Skikda
The establishment of Rusicade or Skikda dates back to ancient times, possibly during the
Phoenician period between the 12th and 8th centuries BCE. The Phoenicians likely chose this
location for their trading post due to its elevated position overlooking the sea. They constructed
forts like Stora and Collo to facilitate their commercial activities.
During the Numidian period, the Carthaginians reinforced these forts, particularly Stora. This
marked the true beginning of urbanization. In 45 BCE, following its colonization by the
Romans, Rusicade became part of a confederation comprising four Roman colonies: Rusicade
(Skikda), Chullu (Collo), Milev (Mila), and Cirta (Constantine).
Around the 5th century CE (439), Rusicade is believed to have been destroyed by the Vandals,
who devastated much of the North African coast.
Today, remnants of the Roman era can still be found, such as the remarkably preserved Roman
theater and marble statues that miraculously escaped looting and vandalism. After the decline
of the Roman Empire, the Byzantines briefly dominated the region before their influence
waned.
The Arabization of the Skikda region took place with the arrival of Islam. The tribes in the area
belonged to the Katana tribal confederation, which welcomed the Shiite leader Aheid Allah El
Fatimi. The Almohads played a significant role in settling the originally nomadic Hilalian
tribes.
The history of the Turks in the region remains unclear, although it is known that they settled in
El Qol (Collo).
In 1938, the site of ancient Rusicade was occupied by colonial troops. The city was initially
named Port de France and later renamed Philippe Ville in honor of King Louis Philippe.
During the War of Liberation, Skikda witnessed heroic moments, including the notable
operation on August 20, 1955. However, it also experienced tragic events like the massacre at
the municipal stadium.
Today, the province still bears traces of the Phoenician and Roman civilizations that
significantly influenced the region, particularly in Skikda, Collo, and Stora (MATE, 2005).