Contribution of space syntax to the analysis of street patterns in the original core of Djémila (Cuicul), Algeria

Abstract

Djémila (Cuicul) is one of Algeria’s most important archaeological sites, and it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Despite this status, archaeological excavations have been halted since the 1950s, implying that these remains have yet to reveal all their secrets. The original core of Djémila, whose limits were crossed at the beginning of the third century, continues to raise questions about its street network and the transformations that occurred, particularly the location of the Cardo Maximus. The Djémila plan was analyzed using space syntax measures, specifically the axial map, segment map, and Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA), which revealed the street hierarchy and distribution of the main public buildings. The findings show that the street that intersects the Decumanus Maximus at the Forum’s southern entrance serves as the Cardo Maximus of the Djémila core. In addition, the results show the impact of the Venus Genitrix temple’s construction on the street network, as well as the significance of the Forum and temples in the lives of Djémila’s residents during the second century.