Constantine

Constantine was originally founded by the Phoenicians sometime before the 3rd century BC. In 311 AD, the city was destroyed during a war between the Roman emperor Maxentius and usurper Domitius Alexander (a former governor of Africa). It was rebuilt in 313 AD and renamed "Colonia Constantiniana" or "Constantina" after Constantine the Great. During Roman rule, the city exported wheat and was the only population center that lay on both of the Roman roads paved in ancient Algeria. Constantine was captured by the Vandals in 432, and returned to the Byzantine Exarchate of Africa in 534. Following the Arab conquest of the city in the 8th century, it became known as Qacentina. The city was a part of the wider region of Ifriqiya. The city recovered in the 12th century and under Almohad and Hafsid rule it was again a prosperous market, with links to Pisa, Genoa and Venice. …

Constantine is situated on a plateau at an elevation 640 metres (2,100 ft) above sea level. The city is framed by a deep ravine and has a dramatic appearance. The city is very picturesque with a number of bridges over Rhumel River and a viaduct crossing the ravine. The ravine is crossed by seven bridges, including Sidi M'Cid bridge. Constantine is the railhead of a prosperous and diverse agricultural area. It is also a centre of the grain trade and has flour mills, a tractor factory, and industries producing textiles, wool, linen and leather goods. Algeria and Tunisia serve as its markets. Constantine has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csa), with hot, dry summers and mild, moist winters.

The city is framed by a deep ravine and has a dramatic appearance. In 1911, Baedeker described it as "resembling the Kasba of Algiers, the picturesque charm of which has so far been marred by the construction of but a few new streets." El Bey Mosque built in 1703 also known by its post colonial name Souq El Ghezal Mosque. Great Mosque of Constantine historical mosque built in 1136. Cirta Museum, previously Gustave Mercier Museum (displays ancient and modern Algerian art) Abd al Hamid Ben Badis Mosque The Casbah (Kasbah) known locally by the name of Swika Emir Abdelkader University and Mosque Soumma Mausoleum Municipal Library of Constantine Ahmed Bey Palace Ruins of the Antonian Roman aqueduct Ben Abdelmalek Stadium Nearby are the Roman city of Tiddis the megalithic monuments and burial grounds at Djebel Mazala Salluste. …

Constantine is served by Mohamed Boudiaf International Airport. Constantine also owns its 14.7 km-long tram network serving the city centre at the airport and the main neighbourhoods of the metropolis Constantine tramway.

Constantine has been the hometown of many noteworthy people in Algeria and France. Abdelhamid Brahimi, former Prime Minister of Algeria (1984-1988) Abdelhamid Ben Badis, Islamic reformer and philosopher Abdelmalek Sellal, former Prime Minister of Algeria two terms (2012-2014),(2014-2017) Ahmed Bey, last Bey of Constantine (1826-1848) Ahlam Mosteghanemi, writer Alfred Nakache, Olympic champion swimmer and Holocaust survivor. …