Archaeological Site of Cyrene

　　    The Archaeological Site of Cyrene was constructed in the 7th century BC in Libya’s Green Mountains region, which was then influenced by the Carthaginian dynasty. The site is one of the most influential ancient ruins in the Mediterranean region. Like other historical sites in Libya, it bears witness to the prosperity of the Mediterranean world during that era.

　　    Artifacts unearthed by archaeologists clearly reflect the aesthetic tastes of the people at the time, while the inspiration for the artisans’ religious creations came from their patron deity — Apollo. From the 4th to the 5th century BC, Cyrene experienced its most flourishing period, marked by thriving commerce and industry, which earned it the favor of Alexander the Great and thereby exemption from military destruction. In 96 BC, the Egyptian king Ptolemy easily captured Cyrene. By 365 AD, as the Egyptian kingdom declined, the descendants of King Ptolemy ceded Cyrene to the Romans.

　　    From the 3rd to the 7th century AD, rulers built numerous churches in Cyrene. To date, the site has not been fully excavated or organized. Among the important works from the ancient Greek and Roman periods found here are: the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Apollo Monastery, which are the oldest structures in Cyrene. During the Roman Empire, abundant springs from Apollo led to the construction of public baths adorned with some of the finest sculptures in the region. The Temple of Apollo Monastery features various types of architecture, including temples, colonnades, and artificial fountains. To the west of the monastery lies the great theater dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry, which was expanded during the Roman period into an arena for gladiator and wild beast fights.

　　    The city of Cyrene once included an acropolis, though it is now difficult to excavate. At the center of the Cyrene Forum stands a circular structure dedicated to Demeter, the goddess of grain, and Persephone, queen of the underworld. This building was later rediscovered by American archaeologists, who found statues of the two goddesses within the surrounding walls. East of the circular building is the Temple of Zeus, the most magnificent Doric-style temple built by the people of Cyrene in Africa during the 6th century BC. It is comparable to the Temple of Zeus in Olympia. The site is further enriched by an extensive collection of ancient tombs.