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Constantine (Ancient Cirta a fortified city)

the ancient Cirta, a fortified city and bishopric, in Algeria; capital of the department of Constantine (of which the other chief towns are Philippeville and Bona on the coast, the coast , Setif and El Wad in the interior) on a detached rocky height, surrounded on three sides by ravines, crossed in one place by a Roman bridge, elsewhere by four natural bridges. At the bottom of the ravines flows the Wad Rummel.

The city has Roman remains, and a a citadel on the site of the ancient Numidian fortress, rising 300 feet above the CONSTANTINE level of the rock. It manufactures saddlery and leather goods, and exports corn to Tunis. It was taken by the French, Oct. 13, 1837, after two memorable sieges.