Ancient Numidian tomb in Algeria. The Medrasen is a Funeral monument similar to the Kubr-er-Rumia, but older. It was built about 150 BCE as the burial-place of the Numidian kings, and is situated about 50 Km southwest of Constantine. The form is that of a truncated cone, placed on a cylindrical base, 65 Meters in diameter. It is 20 Meters high. The columns encircling the cylindrical portion are stunted and much broader at the base than the top; the capitals are Doric. Many of the columns, 60 in number, have been severeley damaged. When the sepulchral chamber was opened in 1873 by Bauchetet, a French engineer officer, clear evidence was found that at some remote period the tomb had been rifled and an attempt made to destroy it by fire. Some people says it is a Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania located in Tipaza, Algeria is the burial site of Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony’s only daughter. Although her remains were never found possibly due to tomb raids, this historic site remains one of the tourist highlights to visit in Algeria. The Tomb of the Christian or as it is known in French “La Tombeau de la Chretienne” is a magnificent mausoleum situated between the towns of Tipasa and Cherchell. The place has another name – the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania which reveals a deep connection with the rich history of the place. This monument was included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritages in 1982. The cone-shaped building can be seen from a distance. The mausoleum is actually a powerful stone circular building with a circumference of 185 meters, a diameter of 61 meters, and a height of 32 meters. It seems like its façade has been made out of steps lying on cylindrical pillars. East of the tomb, archeologists have discovered the basis of a small sanctuary or perhaps mortuary temple which was part of the whole complex.
