Cinithian
Appearance
Cinithians were an ancient Berber tribe of Roman North Africa,[1] who occupied the area of modern Algeria.[2]
We have several inscriptions baring testimony of their presence. From near the Roman town of Githis, in southern Tunisia, we find a second-century dedication to The Empire and Memmius Pacatus, who 'stood out among his people'. Here he is called a 'Cinithius'. It is believed that he was a leader of the tribe and his family did go on to achieve senatorial rank.
At the veteran colony of Sitifis there is another inscription that makes mention to the tribe of the Cinithians.[3]
They are mentioned by Cornelius Tacitus who calls them "... a nation by no means contemptible ..."[4]
References
- ^ 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.