Iol, modern Cherchell, or Sharshal, ancient seaport of Mauretania, located west of what is now Algiers in Algeria. Iol was originally founded as a Carthaginian trading station, but it was later renamed Caesarea and became the capital of Mauretania in 25 bc. The city was famous as a centre of Hellenistic culture, and under the Romans it became one of the most important ports on the African coast.

Cherchell The seaport of Cherchell (ancient Iol), Alg. TroisPointsDeSuspension...

Britannica Quiz It’s All in the Name What is another name for Mount Everest?

The modern town of Cherchell is a small fishing port, occupying a much smaller area than did the ancient settlement.