Libya
Leptis Magna
The Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna comprises the remains of the Phoenician port Lpgy, which was integrated into the Roman Empire in 46 BCE.
When Septimus Severus, who was born here, became Roman emperor in 193 CE, he remodeled the urban plan of Leptis Magna. He added major monuments in a style influenced by African and Eastern traditions. It subsequentially became one of the most beautiful cities of the Roman world. Its Antique port is a fine example of Roman technology.
Community Perspective: Among the best of all “Roman ruins”, especially for its state of completeness.
Site Info
Official Information
- Full Name
- Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna (ID: 183)
- Country
- Libya
- Status
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Inscribed 1982
Site history
History of Leptis Magna
- WHS Type
- Cultural
- Criteria
- i
- ii
- iii
Links
- UNESCO
- whc.unesco.org
All Links
UNESCO.org
- whc.unesco.org — whc.unesco.org/
Related Resources
- livius.org — Lepcis Magna: Cardo - by Livius, Articles on Ancient History
- temehu.com — Leptis Magna
- galenfrysinger.com — Travel photos
News Article
- Sept. 26, 2021 france24.com — Jewel of Roman Empire lies neglected in Libya chaos
- Dec. 23, 2016 thenational.ae — The unlikely saviours of Libya’s Roman remains
- Aug. 8, 2016 libyaobserver.ly — Libya's Antiquities Department refutes UNESCO report on Leptis Magna
- June 14, 2011 allvoices.com — Gaddafi hides rockets, munitions in Leptis Magna
Community Information
- Community Category
- Archaeological site: Ancient Rome
- Secular structure: Military and Fortifications
Travel Information
Recent Connections
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Red Zone Travel Advisory
Libya fully off-limits -
Locations for playing sport
Roman circus -
First inscriptions
Libya: three inscriptions in 1982, with…
Connections of Leptis Magna
- Geography
- History
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Ancient Roman colonies
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Phoenician world
Founded by Phoenician colonists ca. 1100 BC
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- Architecture
- World Heritage Process
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First inscriptions
Libya: three inscriptions in 1982, with Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna as the lowest number
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- Religion and Belief
- Human Activity
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Locations for playing sport
Roman circus -
Sea Ports
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Brothels
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- Constructions
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Roman amphitheatres
Roman amphitheatre -
Theatres and Opera Houses
Roman theatre -
Baths
Roman baths -
Triumphal Arches
Arch of Tiberius, Arch of Severus -
Latrines
See www.mmdtkw.org
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Lighthouses
The base of a 30-35m high lighthouse. It was a twin of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pharos of Alexandria.See www.flickr.com
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Tetrapylon
Severan Arch -
Macellum
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- Timeline
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Built in the 3rd century
Septimus Severus renewed the town after he became Roman emperor in 193; in 203 an arch was erected in his honour, and "At the end of his 203 visit Septimius Severus gave orders for a general upgrade to the facilities of Leptis and in particular for the construction of a series of public buildings"
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- Science and Technology
- Visiting conditions
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Red Zone Travel Advisory
Libya fully off-limits
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News
- france24.com 09/26/2021
- Jewel of Roman Empire lies neglect…
- thenational.ae 12/23/2016
- The unlikely saviours of Libya’s R…
- libyaobserver.ly 08/08/2016
- Libya's Antiquities Department ref…
Recent Visitors
Reserved for members.Community Reviews
Show full reviews
I was at leptis many times and have lots of pictures to share, was there in the early eighties when working in Misrata,I have seen many Roman cities but this is undoubtably the best, this gem is a must see for enthusiasts. (If you get the chance to enter Libya?)
Tony
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What did the Romans ever do for us? Well, there are some beautifully preserved Public Toilets at Leptis Magna (see photo) which show a degree of civilisation unmatched in many places around the world today!
Letpis Magna also has its fair share of triumphal arches, temples, baths, theatres, mosaics etc but it is perhaps the “ordinary” things of life which bring home most what life was like and the continuity until today.
Apart from Pompeii I do not know of any ruined roman city which is as “complete” as Leptis Magna. You are going to get your fill of “Roman ruins” in Libya – The others each have their “gems” but Leptis as a whole is unmatched and should not be missed.
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