Constantine

Constantine, capital of the easternmost province of Algeria, is very picturesquely situated on a nearly isolated chalk rock with flat summit, three sides of which are washed by a small stream, flowing through a deep and narrow ravine, and the fourth is connected by a narrow ridge with the adjoining mountains. It is 830 feet above the river, and 2160 feet above the sea; it is connected by rail with its port Philippeville, 40 miles NE., as also with Algiers and with Tunis. It is surrounded by walls constructed by the Arabs out of Roman sculptured stones. There are practically two cities, the French and the Arab, though the running of wide streets through the Arab town has taken away much of its primitive oriental look. Constantine was anciently the capital of Numidia, called Cirta by the Carthaginians, Cirta by the Romans; and near it many notable events occurred in the wars with Jugurtha. It was destroyed about 311 A.D., but was soon rebuilt by Constantine the Great, from whom it derives its present name. It held out against the Vandals and other besiegers, but was taken by the Arabs in 710. Subsequently, it shared in general the fortunes of Algeria (q.v.). Constantine manufactures woollen cloths, saddlery, leather goods, and carpets; it is a great trade centre, being the chief grain market of Algeria, and exports oil and wool. Pop. (1891) 46,581, of whom 12,006 were French and 3321 Jews.