Apollonia: Basilica; Byzantine, 6th century A.D. Apollonia, founded by Greek traders in the 7th century B.C.and dedicated to the god of light and wisdom, was the harbor for nearby Cyrene, about ten miles away in the Green Mountains. It later came under Roman, and then Byzantine, control. In the Byzantine Christian era, it was known as "the city of churches", of which this was one.
Apollonia: Basilica; Byzantine, 6th century A.D.
Apollonia: Palace of the Dux (Duke), detail; Byzantine, 6th century A.D. This was once the largest building in Apollonia, with 86 rooms overlooking the ancient harbor.
Apollonia: Roman theater, 2nd century A.D.
Benghazi: Mosque, old city Benghazi, in eastern Libya, is the country's second largest city after Tripoli, and was the site of the first anti-government uprising on February 15, 2011.
Benghazi: Korans displayed in the old city market
Benghazi: Minnie Mice, old city market
Benghazi: butcher shop
Benghazi: old city, market
Cyrenaica, Djebel Akhdar (Green Mountain), looking north to the Mediterranean
Cyrene (Greek, 3rd/4th century B.C.); looking toward the lower city and Fountain of Apollo Cyrene, settled by Greeks in the 7th century B.C., became one of the largest and most prosperous cities of the ancient world and is designated a World Heritage Site.
Cyrene: Sanctuary of Demeter and Kore, 4th - 3rd century B.C. Demeter and Kore were Greek fertility goddesses. Newly married women came here to pray for children; pregnant wives prayed for a safe delivery of a male child.
Cyrene: Temple of Zeus; Greek, 5th century B.C. The temple has been undergoing a years-long restoration by Italian archeologists.
Cyrene: Temple of Zeus; Greek, 5th century B.C.
Cyrene:Theater, originally Greek 3rd/4th century B.C.; then Roman, 2nd century A.D.
Cyrene: One of the three Graces, Museum of Ancient Sculpture. The Graces (or "Charities" in Greek) personified desirable attributes of daily life. They are generally identified as Euphrosyne ("Mirth"), Aglaea ("Splendor") and Thalia ("Good Cheer"), and are said to be the daughters of Zeus and Eurynome.
Cyrene: one of the three Graces, Museum of Ancient Sculpture
Leptis Magna: Arch of Septimius Severus (modern restoration with original fragments, 3rd century A.D.) Septimius Severus, a Roman emperor, was born in Leptis Magna. Leptis is Libya's Pompeii, minus the volcanic preservation, a well-preserved Roman metropolis about thirty miles west of Tripoli. Buried under the Roman city is the original, and smaller, Phoenician settlement of the 7th century B.C.
Leptis Magna: Hadrian Baths, Natatio (entry hall); 3rd century A.D. Hadrian's baths in Leptis Magna were among the most opulent in the ancient world, including not only hot, werm and cold baths but steambaths and an outdoor palaestra for sports activities.
Leptis Magna: amphitheater; Roman, 1st century A.D. The amphitheater was created from the quarry used for building in Leptis proper, a half mile away.
Leptis Magna: New Forum (Roman, 2nd/3rd centuries A.D.), with Medusa medallion
Leptis Magna: New forum, arch fragments with Medusa medallions The forum was ordered built by the Roman emperor Septimius Severus, who was born at Leptis Magna, It replaced an older forum closer to the seashore.
Leptis Magna: Medusa medallion, Roman forum Medusa, with her snake-infested hair, turned to stone anyone who gazed upon her. Romans considered her a protectress and displayed her image around important public areas, such as the forum.
