The tomb where wasps struck the Pasha back

Located on the road between Cherchell and Algiers in Tipaza Province, Algeria, the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania sits 250 metres above sea level. Crafted in 3 BC, this circular tomb was built to house the Berber King Juba II and his wife, Cleopatra Selene II. It remains a heavy monument to a fallen dynasty that once commanded the region.

Deep within the thick walls, two vaulted chambers lie divided by a narrow passage. Stone doors, which can be moved up and down by levers, guard the interior. While the monument was once decorated with 60 Ionic columns, their capitals were removed, possibly stolen. Though the human remains of the royal couple were likely taken by grave robbers long ago, the structure remains a massive stone monument, now measuring 30-32.4 metres in height due to damage from natural elements and vandalism.

In 1555, the Pasha of Algiers gave orders to pull down the mausoleum, but the effort was abandoned after large black wasps swarmed out and stung some of the workers to death. Later, Baba Mahommed tried in vain to destroy the monument with artillery, and following the French occupation of Algeria, the monument was used by the French Navy for target practice.

Now, the mausoleum is part of a unique archaeological site along the road from Cherchell to Tipaza, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Danger. It faces constant threats from urban construction, sewage drainage run offs, and poor maintenance. Travelers may see the ruin along the road to Tipaza, watching a structure that survives while the modern world strives to tear it down.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons