Tomb of Massinissa
El Khroub, Algeria
2nd century BCE
Mausoleum of Massinissa, Amazigh king and the first king of unified Numidia. His name was found in his tomb in Cirta, the current Constantine. He was born about 238 BCE in the tribe of the Massyles (Mis Iles) and dies early January 148 BCE
It is built on a square base of 10.50m by 2.80m high, which ends with three steps, on which rests a second level, 8.40m side and 1m high, consisting of two seats of which the second is molded. On top of it were four massifs of 1.75 m on each side, occupying the corners of a square of 5.55 m on one side and decorated, on each of their two exterior facades, with a large round shield of 1.25 m in diameter, in relief. Closing a square chamber, with four openings, or false doors, like the temple of Theron in Agrigento, they framed four large panels, depicting doors, of which there remains debris, probably the space too limited was than a vacuum of discharge.
Unfortunately, the upper level has not withstood the ravages of time, Many have assumed an earthquake, because a large amount of these materials is still scattered near the site, including barrels not fluted, debris of architraves, friezes, and pieces of creeping cornices which belonged to pediments.
Several hypotheses as to what this monument is have been put forward. It is known as of the tomb of Punic military leader Massinissa, but forothers the most likely hypothesis is the one that this is the tomb of Micipsa- son and successor of Massinissa.
