The ruins of Leptis Magna

　　The archaeological site of Leptis Magna is situated 60 kilometers east of Libya’s port city of Tripoli, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, with the coastal road from Tripoli to Zuwarah running through the site. It is unbelievable that such a grand and well-equipped ancient urban site was built over two thousand years ago, vividly showcasing the living conditions of the ancient Romans at the time. The waves of the Mediterranean have accompanied this ancient city through countless ages. Visitors from all over the world, standing within the excavated archaeological area, can still strongly sense the extraordinary grandeur and magnificence of the Roman Empire back then. This is not only because it once covered a vast area as a city, but also because its ruins are rich in profound humanistic value. The majestic ancient Roman architecture, with its smooth lines and exquisite carvings, is truly dazzling.

　　A large number of artifacts were discovered during the archaeological excavations at Leptis Magna, including Byzantine mosaics, ancient Roman sculptures, and ancient Phoenician relics. Most of these artifacts were unearthed by Italian archaeologists, some of which are severely damaged and urgently require restoration by experienced conservation experts. It is also necessary to install some barriers around the Leptis Magna archaeological site to prevent visitors from entering the area casually from the beach. The earliest remains visible are those of a seaside dock built in the 7th century BC. This is the best-preserved Roman imperial city site in North Africa. The pleasant Mediterranean climate allows visitors to fully enjoy the sunshine all year round. To the south and inland lie endless deserts, while desert lakes and green mountain waterfalls are unique and peculiar landscapes in Libya.

　　As an important city and trading port for the ancient Romans nearly 2000 years ago, the layout of this ancient city features typical Roman architectural styles. The city streets are planned in an orderly manner. The urban layout is rectangular, with the main north-south street called Cardo and the main east-west thoroughfare called Decumanus. Other streets and alleys in the city are built parallel to these two main roads. Walking north along Cardo Street, you can reach the vast southern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. The southern end of Cardo Street is the famous Arch of Septimius Severus, which also serves as the entrance to the Leptis Magna archaeological site. Here stands a stone stele over three meters high, inscribed in both Arabic and English, indicating that the archaeological area is protected by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Cardo Street was the central axis of the old city and is now located in the southwest part of the archaeological area due to the city’s expansion by the end of the 1st century AD. The large theater, amphitheater, and circus built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD were the most favorite entertainment venues for the ancient Romans, making these structures the most representative. The Leptis Magna Theater mainly consists of a semi-circular auditorium and stage, connected by an orchestra pit, forming a harmonious and perfect whole. The grand theater faces the sea, and visitors sitting in the auditorium can view the stage and the towering backdrop wall, while standing up offers a view of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.