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[[Timgad]], called '''Thamugas''' by the [[Roman Empire|Romans]], was a Roman colonial town in North Africa founded by the emperor Trajan around 100 A.D., probably as an encampment for the 3rd Augustinian Legion. The ruins demonstrate one of the best extant examples of the grid plan as used in Roman urban planning. Obviously a strong and affluent colony, Timgad would have served as an idyllic image of the grandeur of Rome on Numidian soil, and its stone-constructed buildings were frequently restored throughout the course of the Empire.

[[Timgad]], called '''Thamugas''' by the [[Roman Empire|Romans]], was a Roman colonial town in North Africa founded by the emperor Trajan around 100 A.D., probably as an encampment for the 3rd Augustinian Legion. The ruins demonstrate one of the best extant examples of the grid plan as used in Roman urban planning. Obviously a strong and affluent colony, Timgad would have served as an idyllic image of the grandeur of Rome on Numidian soil, and its stone-constructed buildings were frequently restored throughout the course of the Empire.

The streets were paved with large rectangular slabs of [[limestone]], and the buildings were decorated with intricate [[mosaics]], probably to offset the absence of [[marble]] decor. The city had a ''Forum'' and associated public buildings (the ''Basilica'' and ''Curia''), several temples, a 3500-seat theatre, a market, 14 public baths, and a public library.  

The streets were paved with large rectangular slabs of [[limestone]], and the buildings were decorated with intricate [[mosaic]]s, probably to offset the absence of [[marble]] decor. The city had a ''Forum'' and associated public buildings (the ''Basilica'' and ''Curia''), several temples, a 3500-seat theatre, a market, 14 public baths, and a public library.  

When Timgad was built, it was declared that only Roman citizens would be allowed to live there. Roman citizenship was granted to "any man completing 25 years of military service and his son". People wanting to benefit from comfortable living conditions and for the sake of their children willingly joined the army. Timgad was a city built for soldiers who gained citizenship by fighting for Rome. The reward for enduring a harsh military life was the prospect of leading an elegant life in Timgad. In the corner of the Public Square are the remains of some ancient graffiti which reads: "To hunt, bathe, play games and laugh. This is life!".<ref>''NHK World Heritage 100 Series'' [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/194/video UNESCO]. Accessed 13 January 2008.</ref>

When Timgad was built, it was declared that only Roman citizens would be allowed to live there. Roman citizenship was granted to "any man completing 25 years of military service and his son". People wanting to benefit from comfortable living conditions and for the sake of their children willingly joined the army. Timgad was a city built for soldiers who gained citizenship by fighting for Rome. The reward for enduring a harsh military life was the prospect of leading an elegant life in Timgad. In the corner of the Public Square are the remains of some ancient graffiti which reads: "To hunt, bathe, play games and laugh. This is life!".<ref>''NHK World Heritage 100 Series'' [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/194/video UNESCO]. Accessed 13 January 2008.</ref>