Libya

Sabratha

WHS Score 3.43 Votes 13 Average 3.96

The Archaeological Site of Sabratha comprises an originally Phoenician coastal trading post that was remodeled during its time as a Roman colony.

After the Punic Wars, Sabratha became incorporated in the Roman Province of Africa under Julius Caesar. This brought new prosperity, resulting in the construction of public monuments such as the Forum, the Temple of Jupiter and the Theatre. There is also a Christian basilica with remains of mosaic floors.

Community Perspective: not as large as the Leptis Magna site, and its well-preserved Roman theatre is its main attraction.

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Site Info

Official Information
Full Name
Archaeological Site of Sabratha (ID: 184)
Country
Libya
Status
Inscribed 1982 Site history
History of Sabratha
WHS Type
Cultural
Criteria
  • iii
Links
UNESCO
whc.unesco.org
All Links
UNESCO.org
Related Resources
News Article
  • March 21, 2023 africa.com — Graffiti Now Covers the Walls of Sabratha
  • Sept. 22, 2017 whc.unesco.org — UNESCO’s Director General calls on all parties to cease violence and to protect Sabratha
  • Dec. 11, 2015 dailymail.co.uk — Fears are mounting that Islamic State terrorists could destroy Sabratha

Community Information

  • Community Category
  • Archaeological site: Phoenician
Travel Information
No travel information
Recent Connections
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Connections of Sabratha
Geography
History
Architecture
Damaged
World Heritage Process
  • Inscribed on a single criterion only
    iii. to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
Human Activity
Constructions
Timeline
  • Built in the 2nd century
    Absorbed by Rome in 46AD and "enjoyed its greatest prosperity in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. This was the period which saw the construction of grandiose monuments" (AB)
Visiting conditions
News
africa.com 03/21/2023
Graffiti Now Covers the Walls of S…
whc.unesco.org 09/22/2017
UNESCO’s Director General calls on…
dailymail.co.uk 12/11/2015
Fears are mounting that Islamic St…
Recent Visitors
Reserved for members.

Community Reviews

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First published: 06/11/08.

Anonymous

Sabratha

Sabratha (Inscribed)

Sabratha by Solivagant

The deep blues and greens of the Mediterranean and clear blue sky create a breathtaking backdrop for this awesome ancient Roman site. I couldn't help but spread my arms wide for applause as I stood on the theatre stage, and lounge on the steps of the classic Roman bath. Even the marble latrines lured me to take a seat and imagine what life there may have been like.

For about $2, I explored, touched, and experienced a past that I had only read about in a History book. I have been to Sabratha twice, and plan to visit again for the wonderful way my mind opens up to the past with wonder and imagination.

Sabratha is not as large as the Leptis Magna site about 3 hours drive to the east, but definately worth seeing. Each site is unique and beautiful, so I recommend taking time to visit both, preferably Sabratha first as it will take your breath away, then allow Leptis Magna to take your breath yet again when you discover the immense size of the preserved city.

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First published: 29/04/08.

Anonymous

Sabratha

Sabratha (Inscribed)

Sabratha by Solivagant

when I was ten years old, my father was stationed at Wheelus Air Force Base, our family visited the ruins. My sisters and I, were down by the ocean, and I found lying on the ground, a wrapped paper object, with three coins inside. Two coins were smaller ones, about the size of a dime, with nothing on them.

The larger one, was made from brass, with a roman emperor, roman numerals, and perhaps the name of "claudius" on the front. Also on the back, is a standing lady, holding a quiver of arrows, (the goddess "Athena"?), and it's about the size of a silver dollar, and three times as thick.

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First published: 10/07/05.

Solivagant

Sabratha

Sabratha (Inscribed)

Sabratha by Solivagant

The main glory of Sabratha lies in its well preserved Roman theatre (photo). The site as a whole is not as extensive or fine as that of Leptis Magna and if you are not really into Roman ruins you might even question whether it is worth it. While you are in the region, however, you might as well persevere with these 2 sites, together with the Museum of Tripoli which contains many fine mosaics removed from them (those left in situ are often deteriorating rapidly). Sabratha is pleasantly situated close to the sea. Unfortunately the weather was not so good when we were there – it does rain in Libya! Also it was Ramadan so perhaps we were a bit lacking in sustenance needed to generate real enthusiasm as we walked around unfed - on the journey back to Tripoli we joined the “Ramadan Rush hour” with everyone speeding to get back home before the muezzins announced that it was time to eat and we could join them!

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