Libya

Leptis Magna

WHS Score 3.91 Votes 17 Average 4.47

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.

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Site Info

Official Information
Full Name
Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna (ID: 183)
Country
Libya
Status
Inscribed 1982 Site history
History of Leptis Magna
WHS Type
Cultural
Criteria
  • i
  • ii
  • iii
Links
UNESCO
whc.unesco.org
All Links
UNESCO.org
Related Resources
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
No travel information
Recent Connections
View all (20) .
Connections of Leptis Magna
Geography
History
Architecture
World Heritage Process
  • First inscriptions
    Libya: three inscriptions in 1982, with Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna as the lowest number
Religion and Belief
Human Activity
Constructions
Timeline
  • 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"
Science and Technology
Visiting conditions
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

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First published: 10/03/11.

Anonymous

Leptis Magna

Leptis Magna (Inscribed)

Leptis Magna by Anonymous WHS Traveller

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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First published: 01/05/05.

Solivagant

Leptis Magna

Leptis Magna (Inscribed)

Leptis Magna by Solivagant

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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