El Kantara

35°13′00″N 5°42′37″E / 35.2166°N 5.7104°E / 35.2166; 5.7104Country AlgeriaProvinceBiskra ProvinceTime zoneUTC+1 (CET)

El Kantara (Arabic: القنطرة, romanized: al qantara, lit. 'the bridge'^[1]) is a town and commune in Biskra Province, Algeria. The 1911 Baedeker travel guide described it as "one of the most important caravan-stations in E. Algeria." The town is well known for the eponymous gorge nearby, described by locals as the "Mouth of the Desert".^[2] The area was named El Kantara by Arab conquerors.^[1]

The gorge is narrow, at only 40 metres (130 ft) wide, but the walls can be as high as 120 m (390 ft).^[1]

History

Roman soldiers of the Third Augustan Legion dubbed the gorge Calceus Herculis (English: Hercules' Kick), in reference to the divine hero Hercules' legendary strength.^[1] They also constructed an arched bridge over the river in the bottom of the gorge, in order to allow caravans and military supplies to pass through the town with ease.^[1]

In the second century A.D., the town and bridge were guarded by Syrian archers who are thought to have planted the first date palm grove in the region.^[1]

Present infrastructure

A highway and railroad follow the same path as the ancient Roman road through the town.^[1]

Notable people

• Saïd Chengriha, senior military leader

Gallery

• 
  above the Roman bridge in Katara Gorge
• 
  below the bridge
• 
  El Kantara
• 

References

DistrictsCommunes