The intrepid explorer could not believe his eyes. Before him was a Roman triumphal arch! Part of it was buried in the sands of the Algerian desert. When Scottish explorer James Bruce discovered the arch in 1765, he had no idea that he was standing on the ruins of the largest city ever built in North Africa—the ancient city of Thamugadi, now called Timgad.

More than a century later, in 1881, French archaeologists began excavating the well-preserved parts of Timgad. They concluded that despite the harsh and arid environment, the city’s inhabitants had enjoyed a life of luxury and comfort. But what motivated the Romans to build a thriving colony in such a place? What lessons can we learn from the ancient city and its inhabitants?

When Rome expanded its rule into North Africa in the first century B.C., it encountered fierce resistance from some nomadic tribes. How would Rome make peace with the natives? Initially, soldiers of the Third Augustan Legion built fortified camps and outposts in the vast mountains of what is now northern Algeria. Later, they built the city of Timgad, but for a very different purpose.

The Romans claimed that Timgad was for their veterans, but in reality they built it to weaken the resistance of the native tribes. Their plan worked. Soon, the easy life in Timgad attracted locals who came to sell their goods. Wanting to live in the city, where only Roman citizens were allowed to live, many of the natives willingly joined the Roman Legion for a 25-year term so that they and their sons could gain Roman citizenship.

Not content with Roman citizenship, over time some Africans even achieved high positions in Timgad and other colonial cities. The elaborate Roman strategy of ᴀssimilating the local population was very successful, for only half a century after its foundation, Timgad had a population predominantly of North Africans.

How was the Romans able to win over the natives so quickly? One reason was because they pushed hard equality among citizens—a principle taught by the Roman leader Cicero. Land was divided equally between Roman veterans and citizens of African descent. The city was laid out very cleverly, with 20x20m blocks of houses separated by narrow streets. Surely, such an even and orderly arrangement was very attractive to citizens.

Like many other Roman cities, its inhabitants would meet in public places on market days to hear the latest news or to have fun. Surely the natives from the nearby arid mountains would have dreamed of strolling under the shade of the columns on a H๏τ, dry day, or relaxing in one of the many free public baths, listening to the sound of running water. Perhaps they would have imagined themselves chatting with friends by the cool fountains. It must have seemed like a dream to them.

The open-air theater also played an important role in winning over the people. With a capacity of over 3,500 people, it accommodated the people of Timgad and the surrounding towns. On stage, actors gave audiences a taste of Roman vulgarity through immoral and violent plays.

Roman religion also played a part in the conquest. The floors and walls of the baths were elaborately decorated with colorful mosaics depicting scenes from pagan mythology. Since bathing was an integral part of daily life, people became familiar with Roman religion and gods. The strategy of integrating Africans into Roman culture was so effective that tombstones often featured a triad of Roman and indigenous gods.

After Emperor Trajan founded Timgad in 100 AD, Rome promoted the production of grain, olive oil, and wine throughout North Africa. The region soon became the Roman granary, supplying the empire with these essentials. Like other Roman colonies, Timgad prospered under Roman rule. Over time, its population grew and the city expanded beyond its fortified walls.

The townspeople and landowners prospered from trade with Rome, but the local farmers received little benefit. In the third century C.E., these small farmers rebelled against unfair treatment and heavy taxes. Some Catholics joined the Donatists, a group of professed Christians who rebelled against corruption in the Catholic Church.—See box “ The Donatists are not a ‘pure church’ .

After centuries of religious conflict, civil war, and brutal invasions, Roman civilization lost its influence in the North. By the sixth century CE, Timgad was burned down by local Arab tribes and eventually fell into oblivion for over 1,000 years.

Archaeologists excavating the remains of Timgad were delighted to find a Latin inscription in the public meeting place: “Hunting, bathing, playing, laughing—that is life!” A French historian said: “Perhaps this philosophy of life does not show a spirit of progress, but some will regard it as the secret of wisdom.”

Indeed, the Romans had been pursuing that way of life for a long time. Paul, a first-century disciple of Jesus, spoke of people whose philosophy of life was: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Although devoutly religious, the Romans enjoyed momentary pleasures and gave little thought to the true meaning and purpose of life. Paul warned his fellow Christians to beware of such people when he said: “Do not be misled. Bad ᴀssociations spoil useful habits.”— 1 Corinthians 15:32, 33 .

Although the people of Timgad lived some 1,500 years ago, people today view life much the same. Many live for the present. The Roman view of life makes perfect sense to them, regardless of the consequences. However, the Bible makes a succinct and realistic observation: “The scene of this world is changing.” So it advises us to ‘not make the most of it.’— 1 Corinthians 7:31 .

The ruins of Timgad confirm a truth: The secret to a happy and meaningful life is not to follow an inscription long buried in the sands of North Africa, but to follow the Bible’s reminder: “The world is pᴀssing away and so is its desire, but he who does the will of God remains forever.”— 1 John 2:17 .