Timgad vs. Pikillacta

Today I am looking at the two archeological sites, the Roman colonial center of Thamugadi, Timgad, and the Wari military center of Pikillacta.

The main similarity between the two is that both sites are heavy on the segregation aspect of town construction for militaristic purposes. Both places were clearly constructed with a conscious plan. The rigid block system reflects the ideals both culture value: order and stability.

It is interesting that Timgad is so structured, as ancient Rome was built in a very organic manner with little to no logical planning evident. Such grid plans were implemented throughout the Roman Empire colonies and it became a mark of the expansion of the empire. Evolving from a military center, Timgad adopted the Roman culture as can be seen in its architectural forms. Buildings such as the Forum, amphitheatres, public bathhouses and other important government buildings were placed in the town center with residential complexes surrounding. This is a way of the Roman empire showcasing its power over the colonies as it spread its culture all over the region.

Timgad, Thamugadi (Algeria), c. 100AD
Photograph from Google Satellite

Pikillacta, Peru
Photograph from Google Satellite

Pikillacta’s harmonious rectangular blocks separated by straight streets are surrounded by thick, massive walls that appear to be of fortifying purposes. This sort of planning, adapted from its previous militaristic nature, establishes a hierarchy of space. The elite are located in the center of it all while the commoners are in the peripherals, highlighting the structure of the society hierarchy. By geographically separating the different buildings, people are forced to interact in a way that further emphasizes the hegemonic power system. Like the Wari emperors, the Roman emperors use this grid system to reinforce the society hierarchy as well.

However, much of the literature and studies on Pikillacta is speculative and unconfirmed as there were little written records about the Wari culture and their lives in Pikillacta. The purpose of the complex, in particular, is up for debates. Therefore although Pikillacta and Timgad have similar physical planning, it is difficult to draw the same ideological conclusions from the two places.