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Libyan Archaeologists Battle Threats to Ancient Greek Ruins
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Culture & Society

Libyan Archaeologists Battle Threats to Ancient Greek Ruins

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Archaeologists in eastern Libya are working to protect ancient ruins in Cyrene and Apollonia from looting and storm damage.
  • These UNESCO-listed sites, once thriving Greek colonies, faced threats after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi and were later impacted by Storm Daniel.
  • Local experts and residents took measures to safeguard artifacts, including hiding smaller items and guarding larger sculptures, while also undertaking restoration efforts.

Ancient Greek ruins in eastern Libya are under threat, prompting a dedicated group of archaeologists to safeguard the sites of Cyrene and Apollonia. These UNESCO-listed locations, once central to a vibrant network of Greek colonies in North Africa, have faced dual challenges: militant looting following the 2011 fall of Muammar Gaddafi and severe damage from Storm Daniel in 2023. The imposing Temple of Zeus at Cyrene, described as larger than Athens' Parthenon, stands as a testament to the area's historical significance.

Breathtaking

— Hamdi Al-KailaniDescribing the Temple of Zeus at Cyrene.

In the wake of Libya's descent into chaos, with state institutions weakened, local experts and enthusiasts took extraordinary measures to protect the heritage. Smail Dakhil, who oversees the Museum of Cyrene, recalled the fear and the improvised plan to hide valuable artifacts, including statues of Apollo and Zeus, and over 40,000 rare items, in their homes. Larger sculptures, such as a rare female sphinx, were guarded around the clock by volunteers and residents to prevent theft.

We were so afraid

— Smail DakhilRecalling the fear felt by locals when protecting the museum's artifacts.

Cyrene was founded in 631 BC by settlers from the Greek island of Thera, establishing five colonies along the Libyan coast. At its peak, the city boasted a population of 100,000 and was a center for arts, music, and philosophy. Though earthquakes and wars reduced these cities to ruins, they were rediscovered in the 18th century. More recently, Storm Daniel caused devastating floods in Derna, about 60 miles east, killing thousands. Despite the shock, locals rallied to clear debris and salvage objects, with one overseer, Anis Hamid Younes, hoping for a September reopening despite outdated equipment and limited resources.

We came up with a plan among colleagues to hide the small statues, gold coins and archives in our homes

— Smail DakhilExplaining the measures taken to protect artifacts from looters.

The storm's impact, however, has also led to new discoveries, with engravings and funerary offerings unearthed from thousands of tombs. Meanwhile, concern grows for Apollonia, Cyrene's former port, where a third of the site has already been lost to the sea over centuries.

stood watch over the sites around the clock so no thefts were recorded in Cyrene

— Smail DakhilDescribing the efforts of volunteers and residents to protect larger sculptures.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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