An ancient city in northeastern Algeria, traditionally populated largely by Kabyle Berbers. It is about 180 miles (300 km.) east of Algiers, about 90 miles (145 km.) west of the Tunisian frontier, and about 30 miles (48 km.) south of the Mediterranean coast. Sited on a superbly defendable natural plateau nearly surrounded by deep gorges, the place has had a chequered history.