The Tébessa Basilica is a Late Roman archeological site located in the eastern Algerian city of Theveste, which is known today as Tébessa. It is one of the largest remains of Roman basilicas in Northern Africa. It was dedicated to St. Crispina to honor her martyrdom in 305 CE. This basilica was originally thought to have been created as a secular building for the Roman military; it developed into a religious building as new additions were built in the 4th and 5th century. History The Numidian region where Theveste was found became a key part of Rome's development after the fall of the Byzantine city of Carthage. Economic policies implemented in the Constitutional reforms of Julius Caesar created taxes on trade goods along Roman roads. When Roman legionary camp leader Legio III Augusta came to Theveste initially, he brought with him legionary forces and other travelers. His armies constructed roads throughout Northern Africa and established the first outposts for the Roman military in Theveste. With these incoming Roman military families, Theveste grew and additional buildings were added to the structure that would become the basilica, which might have been used at that point for the collection of taxes on goods like olive oil and grain. We have less evidence for activity in the city of Theveste after the Romans left sometime before 98 C.E. The roads that connected Carthage to Theveste and to Thamugade and Lambaesis had all been maintained and remained in good condition after other Roman roadways had suffered. In 295 C.E. a Christian man named Maximillian was martyred at Theveste for refusing to join military service. An inscription dated to 350 C.E. on the central niche mosaic of the basilica shrine is dedicated to Crispina, whose death took place in 305 C.E. Crispina's martyrdom would inspire pilgrimages to her shrine. This is the point where the basilica begins to gain its religious connotation. Due to the basilica's large size it was thought at this point to have served as a xenodochium in addition to providing other services such as baptisms and other church services. Design The basilica's large size is due to the additions and modifications made by the various Roman and Byzantine leaders in the 4th and 5th century. The mosaic floors are accented by a pathway of balustrades marking the entrance into the great forecourt of the basilica. Through the nave and aisles there is