Cyrene Libya, an ancient Greek city, the oldest and most important of the five in the region, lying in the scenic lush valley of Libya‘s Jebel Akhdar uplands with unobscured views to the Mediterranean Sea, was once an important site for trade.
A thriving community from its very beginning, because of the fertility of the region, its flocks, herds and especially its horses were famous. It had an abundance of precious metals, from which it produced its coinage, featuring the medicinal herb for which it was known, silphium. The port of Apollonia, 16 km (10 mi) from Cyrene Libya, was on an important trading route.
It is now an important archeological site near the village of Shahhat. More than 76 Roman statues dating back to the 2nd century AD were found here in 2005. According to architects, so many of the statues remained undiscovered for such a long period because a supporting wall of the temple fell on its side during an earthquake in 365, burying them. The statues remained hidden under stone, rubble and earth for 1,600 years, protected from the elements.
One of Cyrene‘s more significant features is the Temple of Apollo, originally constructed in the seventh century BC, and rebuilt three centuries later. The Great Baths of the Temple of Apollo are in exceptional condition, with their pipes still visible. About 50 m (165 ft) from the temple, lies the Fountain of Apollo, whose waters were once considered to be curing. Inside, one can still see the seats of the treatment rooms.
At the extreme north-west is the Roman theatre, which stands on Greek foundations and is partly Greek in style. The theatre’s setting is stunning, with hills behind the stage falling down to the landscape stretching out to the sea.
Other ancient ruins include a Temple of Demeter and a partially unexcavated Temple of Zeus. There is a large necropolis part-way from Cyrene on the road to Apollonia. There are still hundreds of tombs cut into the hills here, many in the shape of mausoleums or temples.
In the centre of Cyrene Libya, in the Agora, or town square, is the Tomb of Battus, as well as the Forum of Proculus, which remains in relatively good condition.
Cyrene Libya was originally a colony of the Greek people of Thera, modern-day Santorini, established in 630 BC by Aristotle (later called Battus). In a strategic location between Egypt and Carthage, the city promptly became the chief town of the Libyan region until its demise following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC.
The ruins, which are only partly excavated, are in incredible condition, the floor mosaics still clearly visible and the foundation structures largely intact. The earthquake of 365 destroyed the majority of the city, and its ruins were left to decay. If you’re lucky you may be able to find your own undiscovered treasure!
The oldest Greek city in this area of Libya.
At the beginning of the beautiful Jabalu l-Akhdar, facing the Mediterrannean – 75 km from Derna, 20 km (12 mi) from Apollonia and 25km (15.5 mi) from Al Bavda
More than 76 Roman statues and extensive Roman ruins.
Buses and taxis between Al-Bayda and Shahat.