Cinithians were an ancient Berber tribe of Roman North Africa,[1] who occupied the area of modern Algeria.[2]
Several inscriptions bear testimony of their presence. Near the Roman town of Githis, in southern Tunisia, there is a second-century dedication to The Empire and Memmius Pacatus, who 'stood out among his people'. Here he is called a 'Cinithius'. He was believed to be a leader of the tribe and his family went on to achieve senatorial rank.
At the veteran colony of Sitifis there is another inscription that mentions the tribe of the Cinithians.[3]
They are also cited by Cornelius Tacitus as "...a nation by no means contemptible".[4]
References
edit- ^ Jean Baptiste Louis Crevier, The History of the Roman Emperors: From Augustus to Constantine, Volume 10 (F. C. & J. Rivington, 1814 ) p220.
- ^ Cornelius Tacitus, The Annals and History of Tacitus (Talboys, 1839)p75.
- ^ The Berbers, page 31.
- ^ Cornelius Tacitus, The Annals and History of Tacitus (Talboys, 1839) p113.