The history of literature in Algeria starts around the time of the Roman Empire where Latin literature influenced the region, though it has little impact on the modern literature of Algeria. 

The Arab conquest of the 7th century brought Arabic to Algeria where Arabic poetry and prose flourished, which was influenced by both Arabic literature and Islamic teachings. This trend continued until the 19th century under Ottoman rule.

Like many countries of the region, Algeria was exposed to European colonialism, bringing with it the French language, but also the creation of resistance literature, which featured themes of identity, nationalism, and freedom.

Algeria eventually gained independence in 1962, which gave way to a flourishing of literature, continuing on the tradition of writing about the influences and impacts of colonialism. Since many Algerians are bilingual, works were commonly written in both French and Arabic.