Madghacen

Medracen, also spelled Madghacen, is an ancient funerary monument located near Batna in Algeria [1]. It has been identified as a royal mausoleum built by the Berber Numidian Kingdom [1]. Medracen is one of several large funerary monuments from the era of ancient Berber kingdoms in Classical antiquity [1]. It is one of two that were built in the shape of a tumulus; the other being the so-called "Tomb of the Christian Woman" or Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania [1]. Medracen is the oldest of these and has been dated to fourth century BC or to the time of the Numidian king Masinissa, around the end of the third century BC and first half of the second century BC [1]. The mausoleum consists of a large tumulus constructed in well-cut ashlar masonry and featuring sixty Doric columns and an Egyptian-style cornice [1]. The whole exterior was covered with a stone facing, most of which remains, with the straight cone of the upper part (except for a flat top) formed into steps [1].