Archaeological excavations have revealed remnants of grand Roman period buildings at Leptis Magna, showcasing its significance as a hub of political and administrative activity in the city during its peak. Today, these remains provide valuable insights into the governance and civic life of Leptis Magna under Roman rule, reflecting its importance as a regional center in ancient North Africa.

circa

Origins and Phoenician Period (circa 650 - 146 BCE)
Leptis Magna, also known as Lepcis Magna, was originally founded as a Phoenician settlement in the seventh century BCE. Although, some traditions mention that the city may have been founded as eary as the eighth century BCE. Situated on the Mediterranean coast in what is now modern-day Libya, the city was strategically positioned to take advantage of maritime trade routes. The Phoenicians, renowned for their seafaring and trading skills, established Leptis Magna as a key port city, facilitating trade between various Mediterranean civilizations and the African interior. As part of the Carthaginian Empire, Leptis Magna thrived as a commercial hub, benefiting from the extensive trade networks of the Carthaginians. Eventually, the city fell under the control of the Numidians, a Berber kingdom that dominated much of North Africa prior to Roman conquest.

Roman Establishment (146 BCE - 1st century CE):
In 146 BCE, following the defeat of Carthage in the Third Punic War, Leptis Magna came under Roman influence. The Romans recognized the strategic and commercial importance of the city and began to integrate it into their expanding empire. By the first century CE, Leptis Magna had been fully incorporated into the Roman Empire and started to flourish as a significant trade hub. The city benefited from Roman infrastructure, including roads, aqueducts, and public buildings, which facilitated trade and communication. Roman investment in the city's infrastructure and economy helped it grow in wealth and importance. Leptis Magna's strategic location made it a vital center for trade between the Roman Empire and the African interior, dealing in commodities such as olive oil, grain, and exotic animals. This period marked the beginning of the city's transformation into one of the most important and prosperous cities in Roman Africa.

Golden Age under Roman Rule (1st century - 3rd century CE):
The city reached its zenith during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus, who was born in Leptis Magna in 145 CE. As emperor, Severus favored his hometown and initiated an ambitious building program that transformed it into one of the most splendid cities in the Roman Empire. Notable constructions included a new forum, basilica, and an impressive triumphal arch dedicated to Severus himself. The city's prosperity during this period was largely due to its strategic location, facilitating trade across the Mediterranean and into Africa.

Decline and Byzantine Era (4th century - 6th century CE)
Leptis Magna began to decline in the 4th century as the Roman Empire faced increasing internal turmoil and external pressures. The city suffered further damage during the Vandal invasion in the 5th century. The Byzantines, under Emperor Justinian, recaptured the city in the 6th century and attempted to restore some of its former glory. However, the restoration efforts were limited, and Leptis Magna never regained its previous prominence.

Islamic Conquest and Abandonment (7th century CE - present):
The final blow to Leptis Magna came with the Islamic conquest in the 7th century. The city's infrastructure was not maintained, and it gradually fell into ruin. Over the centuries, Leptis Magna was largely abandoned and forgotten. It was rediscovered by European explorers in the 19th century, leading to archaeological excavations that revealed its historical and architectural significance. Today, Leptis Magna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its well-preserved ruins that offer a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Rome.

circa 100 BCE

Temple of Serapis (Serapeum)

circa 8 BCE

New Macellum Market

circa 16 CE

Tiberian Arch
Tiberius succeeded Emperor Augustus, who transformed the Roman Republic into a monarchy and reigned from 27 BCE until 14 CE. During the later years of Tiberius' rule, spanning from 14 to 37 CE, the people of Lepcis Magna paid tribute to their ruler by constructing a modest honorary arch, crafted from limestone, spanning the Cardo Maximus—the city's main thoroughfare.

The first photograph captures the Arch of Tiberius, viewed from the northeast, with the Arch of Trajan visible in the distance, a structure dating nearly a century later.

Interestingly, this arch is one of two dedicated to Tiberius in Lepcis Magna. Remains of a second arch have been discovered in a street parallel to the Cardo Maximus, north of the Portico behind the Theater. The duplication of such honors likely stems from the immediate motive for their construction: the renovation of streets surrounding at least two city blocks (insulae). It is plausible that the area between these two arches, which encompassed the Chalcidicum and the theater precinct, was refurbished as part of a unified urban improvement initiative.

The inscription found on both arches records that they were erected during the governorship of Gaius Rubellius Blandus, executed through his deputy Marcus Etrilius Lupercus. Rubellius Blandus governed Africa from 35 to 36 CE. The inscription further commemorates the paving of several streets, financed by the proceeds from confiscated lands in the interior, taken from native tribes after the Tacfarinas revolt (17-24 CE) at the outset of Tiberius' reign.

circa 20 CE

Via Trionfale

circa 20 CE

Cardo Maximus

circa 20 CE

Decumanus Maximus

circa 20 CE

C. Gavius Macer Monument
(inscription)

circa 60-110 CE

Amphitheater
The construction on the amphitheater of Leptis Magna most likely started around 56 CE during the reign of Emperor Nero and concluded around 110 CE, during the reign of emperor Trajan. This structure is one of the oldest and best-preserved amphitheaters in North Africa. It was designed to hold approximately 16,000 spectators and was used for various public spectacles, including gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and other forms of entertainment typical of Roman amphitheaters. The amphitheater's construction showcases the city's wealth and its significance within the Roman Empire during that period.

The Amphitheater of Lepcis Magna was unearthed in a natural depression, possibly an old quarry, situated on the rocky terrace southeast of the city, near the sea. Adjacent to it, even closer to the sea, stood the circus, built about a century later. The amphitheater could host approximately 16,000 spectators in its stands, located about a kilometer away from the city center.

An inscription reveals that the amphitheater was inaugurated in 56 AD by Marcus Pompeius Silvanus Staberius Flavinus, the governor of Africa, during his third year in office, with Quintus Cassius Gratus serving as his deputy. The monument was dedicated to the young emperor Nero (r.54-68).

The oval arena measures 57 x 47 meters. The lower seats were reserved for the elite of Lepcis Magna, who favored the southeastern side for its favorable breezes. Today, remnants such as stone slabs that once formed the seating and other fragments of natural stone can still be seen. Among these relics is an altar dedicated to Nemesis, the Roman goddess of vengeance, a common figure in amphitheaters.

Not far from Lepcis Magna lies Villa Dar Buc Ammera, where a significant mosaic commemorates the gladiatorial combats of the city's amphitheater. Typically, the spectacle commenced early in the day with animal fights, such as bulls against bears. Around noon, condemned criminals faced execution ad bestias.

One notable mosaic scene from Villa Dar Buc Ammera depicts the execution of a criminal, likely a Garamantian native, tied to a pole and set upon by a hungry panther in the arena. During the tumultuous Year of the Four Emperors (69 AD), the people of Oea took advantage of civil strife to attack Lepcis Magna, joined by the Garamantes. Order was restored the following year by General Valerius Festus, possibly resulting in such executions.

Gladiatorial contests typically took place in the afternoon. The mosaic at Villa Dar Buc Ammera identifies combatants as a murmillo (left: with one greave and a crest on his helmet) and a thraex (right: wearing high greaves). One figure, positioned awkwardly with his right leg too far forward, suffers a backhanded slash to the thigh, blood depicted in vivid detail, likely leading to a fatal outcome unless finished off swiftly.

The amphitheater likely had a surrounding (wooden) portico offering cheaper seating options. An entrance to the southeast once led to a sanctuary dedicated to Artemis (or Diana), reflecting her veneration in places like Ephesus.

Below, an excavated cult statue from the reign of Hadrian (117-138 AD), initially discovered in 1912, is now housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Tripoli. This statue depicts the cult of the "great mother goddess," a widely popular deity throughout the ancient Mediterranean, fitting for a cosmopolitan hub like Lepcis Magna.

circa 80-120 CE

Curia
The Curia at Leptis Magna was a significant civic building in the ancient Roman city, serving as the meeting place for the local Senate. Located near the forum, the Curia was a symbol of civic pride and administrative prowess typical of Roman urban planning.

Constructed during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD), the Curia exemplified Roman architectural grandeur, characterized by its spacious interior and ornate decorations. It functioned as a venue for Senate meetings, where local magistrates and senators deliberated on matters concerning the governance and welfare of Leptis Magna. The structure itself featured typical Roman architectural elements, including a rectangular layout with a porticoed entrance leading into a central hall. Inside, senators and officials gathered to discuss political, legal, and administrative issues vital to the city's administration and public life.

circa 110 CE

Arch of Emperor Trajan
The Arch of Emperor Trajan at Leptis Magna was a monumental structure erected to commemorate the achievements and victories of Emperor Trajan, one of Rome's most celebrated leaders. Located prominently within the city, near its main thoroughfares or the forum, the arch served both as a symbol of imperial power and a testament to Trajan's military campaigns and public works.

Built during Trajan's reign (98-117 AD), the arch exemplified Roman triumphal architecture, featuring a grandiose design with a central passageway flanked by columns or pilasters adorned with intricate reliefs and sculptures. Such arches typically celebrated significant events, victories in battle, or the completion of major public projects, serving as both propaganda and public art.

circa 130 CE

Hadrianic Baths
The Hadrianic Baths at Leptis Magna were a remarkable complex of public baths constructed during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD), showcasing Roman engineering and architectural prowess in North Africa.

Located near the center of Leptis Magna, the baths were a sprawling structure designed not only for hygiene but also as a social and recreational hub for the city's inhabitants. The complex typically included various chambers and halls dedicated to different stages of bathing, such as hot rooms (caldarium), warm rooms (tepidarium), and cold rooms (frigidarium), all heated through a sophisticated system of hypocausts.

The architecture of the Hadrianic Baths featured grand halls adorned with marble columns, intricate mosaics, and sculptures depicting mythological scenes and Roman deities, showcasing the opulence and cultural sophistication of the era. The baths were not only functional but also served as centers for socializing, exercise, and leisure, reflecting Roman ideals of public health and communal well-being.

Excavations at Leptis Magna have revealed the extensive remains of the Hadrianic Baths, providing insights into Roman bathing practices and architectural techniques. These discoveries highlight the city's prosperity under Roman rule and its integration into the broader Mediterranean world, where such public amenities were essential elements of urban life and civic identity.

circa 160 CE

Arch of Marcus Aurelius
The Arch of Marcus Aurelius in Leptis Magna was a monumental structure built to honor and commemorate the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (r. 161-180 AD), known for his military campaigns and philosophical writings.

Located within the city, the arch followed the traditional Roman triumphal arch design, featuring a central passageway flanked by columns or pilasters adorned with elaborate reliefs and sculptures. These decorations typically depicted scenes of Marcus Aurelius's military victories, symbolic representations of Roman virtues, and divine associations with gods and goddesses.

Constructed during Marcus Aurelius's reign or shortly thereafter, the arch served not only as a symbol of imperial power but also as a propaganda tool, celebrating the emperor's achievements and reinforcing loyalty to Roman authority in Leptis Magna and the broader region of North Africa.

circa 162 CE

Circus Maximus
To the southeast of their city, the people of Lepcis Magna constructed their circus or hippodrome, a vast space measuring approximately 100 x 450 meters. This site, located on a flat area near the beach not far from the Amphitheater, likely had a history of hosting chariot races, with seating for spectators carved into the rocky terrain. In 162 CE, starting gates (carceres) were added, indicating further development of the venue.

Around the same time, new stands were erected along the sea, likely replacing an earlier wooden structure. These stands accommodated between 20,000 to 25,000 spectators across eleven tiers of official seating. From the higher vantage point of the Amphitheater, one could also glimpse the circus, as depicted in the first photo.

On the spina (central dividing barrier), five water basins with fountains were installed, a decorative feature reminiscent of Rome's Circus Maximus. This included the "dolphins" on the corners, which indicated the number of laps remaining for the charioteers.

The mosaic found at Villa Selene, likely depicting the hippodrome of Lepcis Magna, illustrates the scene with starting boxes prominently displayed, doors open, signifying the start of a race. Numerous chariots and horses fill the track, while the spina is adorned with various monuments. The Circus of Lepcis Magna stands out as one of the largest known examples.

Between the starting gates and the Amphitheater lies a large depression in the ground, depicted in the final two photos. Initially possibly a natural depression or later utilized as a quarry, it eventually served as a gathering place for charioteers before races in the Circus. Additionally, it was used to prepare wild animals or gladiators for the spectacles held in the Amphitheater.

circa 193-211 CE

Cardo Inferiore I (Colonnaded Street)
The cardo inferiore I, is the colonnaded street in the eastern part of the archaeological site of ancient Lepcis Magna. It spanned a length of approximately 400 meters, starting at the northern arch of the grand nymphaeum. The colonnaded street of Leptis Magna ran parallel and directly adjacent to the Wadi Lebda. The colonnaded street at Leptis Magna, also known as the street of the Severan Forum, was constructed during the reign of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, who ruled from 193 to 211 CE.

This grand avenue was part of a series of building projects initiated by Severus to enhance his hometown, reflecting the architectural and urban development characteristic of the Severan period. The street was lined with impressive columns and adorned with statues and other decorative elements, serving as a prominent feature of the city's landscape.

circa 200 CE

Severan Basilica
The Severan Basilica of Leptis Magna is one of the most impressive and significant structures in the ancient city, constructed during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus, who ruled from 193 to 211 CE. Born in Leptis Magna, Septimius Severus undertook extensive building projects in his hometown to showcase its prominence within the Roman Empire. The basilica was part of a grand architectural program initiated by Severus and completed around 216 CE. It served multiple purposes, functioning as a courthouse, administrative center, and a venue for public gatherings. The structure is notable for its vast size, elaborate decoration, and architectural innovation.

The basilica was built in a classical Roman style with a large central nave flanked by aisles on either side, separated by rows of columns. The design included a raised platform or tribunal at one end where judges or officials would preside over legal proceedings. The basilica was adorned with impressive marble columns, many of which were intricately carved. The interior featured elaborate decorative elements, including friezes, statues, and mosaics, reflecting the wealth and artistic achievement of the city during this period. The construction of the Severan Basilica marked the height of Leptis Magna's prosperity and importance. It symbolized the city's status within the Roman Empire and showcased the influence and generosity of Emperor Septimius Severus.

circa 200 CE

Grand Numphaeum

circa 200 CE

Qasr Duwairat Funerary Monument

circa 203 CE

Severan Forum

circa 203 CE

Arch of Septimius Severus
The Arch of Septimius Severus stands as a monumental triumphal arch within the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna, located in present-day Libya, historically known as Roman Libya. This arch holds significance as it was commissioned by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, who was born in Leptis Magna, to commemorate his achievements and connections to his birthplace. Erected at the intersection of the city's major thoroughfares—the north-south oriented Cardo and the east-west Decumanus Maximus—the tetrapylon structure served as a symbolic gateway marking the heart of this bustling port city of the Roman Empire in Africa.

The exact date of its construction is a matter of broad scholarly debate, but it is widely believed that the Arch of Septimius Severus was built during Severus' African tour in 203 CE. The arch's design and placement underscored the city's strategic and cultural importance, reflecting Severus' efforts to enhance Leptis Magna's stature within the empire.

Over time, both the city and its magnificent arch fell into disrepair and abandonment following invasions by barbarian forces in the late 5th century. The arch, like much of Leptis Magna, lay buried and forgotten until its rediscovery by archaeologists in 1928. Initially found in ruins and fragmented, the arch required extensive excavation and painstaking reconstruction efforts led by Giacomo Guidi. Despite its state of disrepair, the arch remains a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of the Roman era in North Africa.

Later, during the reign of Emperor Justinian, remnants of the arch were repurposed for use in his grand basilica, underscoring the enduring legacy and adaptive reuse of architectural elements from ancient Roman structures like the Arch of Septimius Severus at Leptis Magna.

circa 200-450 CE

Lighthouse Remains

circa 550 CE

Byzantine Gate

circa 550 CE

Remains of Eastern Byzantine Wall

circa 550 CE

Byzantine Church

circa 550 CE

Byzantine Period Fortification Tower

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Western Gate

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Temple of Hercules