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Libya: Astonishing Ancient Greek Finds in Apollonia - Archaeologists Stunned by Hippodrome Discovery
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

Libya: Astonishing Ancient Greek Finds in Apollonia - Archaeologists Stunned by Hippodrome Discovery

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • French archaeologists in Libya have unearthed significant ancient Greek findings in Apollonia (modern Susa), including a theater, sacred complexes, and a unique hippodrome.
  • The discovery of the hippodrome, described as unparalleled in the Mediterranean, could lead to a reassessment of Apollonia's historical importance and geopolitical standing.
  • The French Archaeological Mission has a long-standing presence in Libya, aiming to preserve and highlight the region's Greek and Roman heritage.

Archaeologists in Libya have announced a major discovery in the ancient city of Apollonia, now Susa, unearthing significant Greek artifacts that shed new light on the city's importance in the ancient Mediterranean world. The French Archaeological Mission, active in Libya for decades, revealed findings that include a strategically located ancient theater with Mediterranean views, sacred complexes, and a remarkably well-preserved Greek hippodrome.

Professor Vincent Michel, leading the mission, described the hippodrome as "absolutely unique," noting that no comparable structure has been found in the Cyrenaica region or the wider Mediterranean. This discovery is expected to significantly elevate Apollonia's historical prestige and geopolitical influence, prompting a potential re-evaluation of its standing in antiquity.

The ongoing research aims to enhance understanding of Apollonia's urban planning and public life. The mission's long-term commitment to excavating Greek and Roman remains in Libya underscores a dedication to preserving and showcasing the area's rich cultural heritage. These new findings solidify Apollonia's status as a premier archaeological site in Libya, offering invaluable insights into the ancient Greek presence in Cyrenaica.

absolutely unique

— Vincent MichelProfessor Vincent Michel, who leads the French Archaeological Mission in the country since 2011, described the monument as absolutely unique.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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