The history of Algeria is long and complex, shaped by indigenous cultures, foreign invasions, colonialism, and a modern struggle for independence. Here's a concise overview:
Ancient and Pre-Islamic Period
Prehistoric Algeria: Home to some of the earliest human populations, evidenced by tools and rock art in the Tassili n'Ajjer.
Berber Kingdoms: The indigenous Berbers (or Amazigh) established kingdoms like Numidia, allied with or resisted Carthage and later Rome.
Roman Rule: Algeria became part of the Roman Empire, especially the provinces of Numidia and Mauretania. Cities like Timgad and Tipasa flourished.
Islamic Conquest and Middle Ages
Arab Invasions (7th–8th centuries): Islam spread, and Arabic began replacing local languages.
Berber Dynasties: Several Muslim Berber dynasties ruled the region, including the Fatimids, Almoravids, and Almohads.
Ottoman Period (1518–1830): Algeria became a semi-autonomous province under the Ottoman Empire, led by local rulers (Deys) and known for its piracy in the Mediterranean.
French Colonization (1830–1962)
France invaded in 1830, and over time Algeria became a French colony.
Land was taken from locals, and many French settlers (colons or pieds-noirs) arrived.
Algerians suffered under harsh colonial policies and were largely excluded from political power.
The struggle for equality and independence intensified in the 20th century.
War of Independence (1954–1962)
The National Liberation Front (FLN) launched a guerrilla war against French rule.
The war was brutal, with widespread violence, torture, and civilian casualties.
In 1962, Algeria gained independence after the Evian Accords and a national referendum.
Post-Independence and Modern Era
The FLN became the ruling party; Algeria became a socialist one-party state.
The 1990s saw a civil war after the military cancelled elections won by an Islamist party (FIS).
Thousands died in violence between the government and Islamist groups.
Since the 2000s, Algeria has moved toward greater political and economic reform, though challenges remain, including youth unemployment, political unrest (e.g., the Hirak Movement), and reliance on oil and gas.
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