BABBA
BABBA (
Βάβα,
Ptol. 4.1.14;
Βαβαί: Eth.
Βαβαῖος,
Steph. B. sub voce a colony in Mauretania Tingitana, founded by Augustus, 40 M. P. from Lixus. Its full name is given by Pliny in the form
Babba Julia Campestris (5.1). Its coins, which are numerous, from Augustus downwards, have the inscriptions Col. I. B., i. e.
Colonia Julia Babbensis, or COL. C. I. B. or C. C. I. B., i. e.
Colonia Camnpestris Julia Babbensis. (Eckhel, vol. iv. p. 153.) Its site seems quite uncertain. Some place it at
Naranja, which appears too far east; others at
Bani Teude, in a beautiful plain on the river
Guarga (a tributary of the
Subur), where ancient ruins are still visible. (Leo Africanus, ap. Manner, vol. x. pt. 2, p. 489.) Possibly the true position may be at
Baba Kelam, E. of
Ksar-el-Kebir. [
P.S]