Skikda (Philippeville), Algeria seaport on the Mediterranean coast, 80km (50 miles) west of Annaba. Once an ancient Phoenician trading center and then a Roman settlement, it is now chiefly important as an oil and gas terminal at the end of pipelines from the Sahara. Skikda occupies the site of ancient Rusicade, port of 4th-century Cirta, and has the largest Roman theatre in Algeria.It also manufactures petrochimicals and plastics, and has a large natural gas liqufaction plant. Other exports include agricultural products, wood, esparto grass, iron ore and marble. The modern town was founded by French Marshal Sylvain-Charles Valée in 1838 as the port of Constantine, it has an artificial harbour. It is today the administrative capital of the district. There is considerable passenger traffic through Skikda, which, with Stora "its outport", is also a centre for sardine fishing and canning.

Population : (estimated) 170.000