Libya Heritage Sites Gallery

Theatre, Sabratha, Libya

The Roman Theatre of Sabratha in Libya. The magnificent late 3rd century theatre, that retains its three-storey architectural backdrop. This view of the empty theatre is from the top row of seating looking towards the stage and backdrop. In the background is the Mediterranean Sea and a clear blue sky. Sabratha, in the Zawia district in the northwestern of Libya, was the westernmost of the three cities of Tripolis. It lies on the Mediterranean coast about 65km (40 miles) west of Tripoli (ancient Oea). The archaeological site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.Sabratha's port was established, perhaps about 500 BC, as a Phoenician trading-post that served as a coastal outlet for the products of the African hinterland. Sabratha became part of the short-lived Numidian Kingdom of Massinissa before being Romanized and rebuilt in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. The Emperor Septimus Severus was born nearby in Leptis Magna, and Sabratha reached its monumental peak during the rule of the Severans. The city was badly damaged by earthquakes during the 4th century, particularly the quake of AD 365. It was rebuilt on a more modest scale by Byzantine governors. Within a hundred years of the Arab conquest of the maghreb, trade had shifted to other ports and Sabratha dwindled to a village

Sheep graze at the ancient Greek and Roman ruined city of Cyrene in modern-day Shahaat

Sheep graze at the ancient Greek and Roman ruined city of Cyrene in modern-day Shahaat, eastern Libya March 26, 2011. Founded in 4th century BC by Greeks and later Romanised, Cyrene was one of the principal cities in the Hellenic world. Near Cyrene, one of the most important cities of the Hellenic world, are the lush hills and cool climes of Jebel al-Akhdar, but no facilities for tourists. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic (LIBYA - Tags: SOCIETY ANIMALS TRAVEL IMAGES OF THE DAY)

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LIBYA Tripolitania Leptis Magna Ruins of Roman city founded in 6th Century BC.The theatre seating and back scene. UNESCO World Heritage Site

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Africa, Archaeology, Historical