1500 years of Algiers' history unearthed at Martyrs Square

Archaeological remains dating from the 5th century were unearthed at the site of rescue excavations under the current Martyrs Square which will host the future Museum- subway station of Algiers. The polychrome mosaic floors of a functional basilica until the end of the fifth century are presented now on the excavations to which Minister of Culture Khalida Toumi and the governor of Algiers Abdelkader Zoukh paid an inspection visit. Launched in June 2013, these excavations also uncovered a vast Byzantine necropolis dating back to the 7th century and the remains of a blacksmiths of 12/13e century, destroyed in 1832 by the colonial administration to build the Government Place, called Place des Martyrs after independence. On this site which extends over 3200 m², the teams of the National Center for Archaeological Research (CNRA) and the National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap, France) discovered the remains of the demolished prayer hall , a courtyard and the minaret base of "El Al Sayeda" mosque (prior to the 16th century ), also destroyed in 1832.