Timeline of Algeria

Chronology

35 events spanning the history of Algeria. BCE/CE dating.

1. 4000 BCE – 2500 BCE

   A rock painting illustrates a battle between 2 prehistoric groups.

   A rock painting from this time in Tassili n’Ajjer, southeastern Algeria, illustrates a battle between 2 prehistoric groups armed with bows and arrows.

2. 105 BCE

   The heart of ancient Numidia lay in the eastern region of what is now Algeria in Northern Africa.

   The heart of ancient Numidia lay in the eastern region of what is now Algeria in Northern Africa. The Numidians were originally nomadic horsemen. They were defeated by Roman troops in the Jugurthine War in 105 BC and conquered by Rome in 46 BC. The Vandals and Byzantines ruled successively before Arabs conquered the area in the seventh century AD. Jugurtha was the king of Numidia.

3. 49 BCE

   Mauretania (now northern Morocco and Algeria) became a client kingdom of Rome.

   Mauretania (now northern Morocco and Algeria) became a client kingdom of Rome.

4. 46 BCE

   Numidia was conquered by Rome.

   Numidia was conquered by Rome. The Vandals and Byzantines ruled successively before Arabs conquered the area in the seventh century AD.

5. 40

   Mauretania was divided into the provinces of Tingitana and Caesariensis.

   Mauretania was divided into the provinces of Tingitana and Caesariensis.

6. 200 – 400

   Christianity spread rapidly in Numidia and the diocese of Lamiggiga was established.

   Christianity spread rapidly in Numidia and the diocese of Lamiggiga was established. It was later abandoned and just the name was used as an honorary jurisdiction for Catholic auxiliary bishops

7. 439

   In Mauretania (now northern Morocco and Algeria) Roman rule ceased.

   In Mauretania (now northern Morocco and Algeria) Roman rule ceased in the mid 5th century when barbarian incursions forced the legions to withdraw.

8. 439

   The Vandals took Carthage and quickly conquered all the coastal lands of Algeria and Tunisia.

   The Vandals, led by King Gaiseric, took Carthage and quickly conquered all the coastal lands of Algeria and Tunisia. Egypt and the Libyan coast remained in Roman hands.

9. 1518

   Algiers and Tunis, Barbary states in North Africa, were founded.

   Algiers and Tunis, Barbary states in North Africa, were founded.

10. 1530 – 1539

    During this period Khayr Ad-Din united Algeria and Tunisia as military states.

    During this period Khayr Ad-Din known by the European name Barbarossa, meaning Redbeard, united Algeria and Tunisia as military states under the Ottoman caliphate. He was a Barbary pirate and later as admiral of the Ottoman fleet.