Graham, Alexander: Roman Africa: an outline of the history of the Roman occupation of North Africa ; based chiefly upon inscriptions and monumental remains in that country (London [u.a.], 1902)

Africa under the Caesars

4i

quently, personal acquaintance with the native races he was
called upon to govern contributed largely to his success as a
ruler of mankind. It is true that Julius Caesar spent three entire
years in Africa, but this was in the declining years of the
Republic, prior to his assumption of the dictatorship. Many of
his successors, too, were acquainted with Africa, having filled
the office of proconsul in the earlier portion of their career.
The work of Augustus consisted in maturing a system of govern-
ment, both civil and military, on the lines laid down by his
predecessor, quelling disturbances on the frontier, and forming
an African army which was destined to play an important part
as the third Augustan legion. We are told that this legion was
first quartered in Asia, but, by the orders of Tiberius, was removed
to the neighbourhood of Theveste (Tebessa) at the time of the
insurrection of Tacfarinas. It appears to have been encamped
there till Theveste was rebuilt by Vespasian. Caligula's work
in Africa seems to have been restricted to the murder of Ptolemy,
the misguided son of Juba II., and the last of a line of
Numidian kings. The only act of Claudius worth mentioning
was the division of Mauritania into two provinces, but this was
an imperial necessity. The record of Galba, like that of Nero,
is a blank, although it must be admitted that, as proconsul of
Africa, his career was distinguished for great activity, and by
the exercise of sound judgment in the discharge of the duties of
his high office. Vitellius also was proconsul in his earlier years,
and, notwithstanding the ignominy attached to his name as an
emperor, governed Africa with singular integrity for two years,
acting in the latter year as deputy for his brother who succeeded
him as proconsul. Vespasian's active career of ten years proved
of great service in the cause of good government. During his
reign the third Augustan legion was established at Theveste, and
the town rebuilt and enlarged. Among the principal places
associated with his name Icosium is worthy of passing mention,
especially as its modern representative, the city of Algiers, has
played so great a part in the life and progress of North Africa.
A modest inscription on a stone built into the wall of a house in
Algiers attests the existence of the old Roman town.1 Beyond
this it has no value.

1 I. R. A. No. 4052. Berbrugger, Notice sur les Antiquith Romaines (T Alger,
fig. H.