Sabratha was settled in either the fifth or sixth century BC, but the exact dates are unclear. It was originally built by the Phoenicians, and by the first century AD, it had been taken over by the Romans. Unfortunately, much of the city was destroyed by earthquakes in the fourth century AD, particularly some of the oldest sections of the city. There was an effort to rebuild, but the result was a much smaller Sabratha. The city pretty much died out by the end of the seventh century.

Today Sabratha and its surrounding area are home to some of Africa’s most outstanding Roman archaeological sites.

The Theater

Built during the reign of Emperor Commodus in approximately 161-192 AD, the Theater is the most spectacular site in Sabratha. What is left of the structure is three stories tall and crowned with majestic columns. The third story is more like a balcony. Jutting from the side of the building are the stone bleachers for the audience. It is a magnificent structure and open for visitors to walk around and explore.

Other monuments in Sabratha worth exploring are the Temple of Liber Pater, the Basilica of Justinian, the Mosaic of the House of Jason Magnus, the Capitolium, the Temple of the Serapis, the Temple of Hercules, and the Temple of Isis.

Going to Leptis Magna

The most spectacular of all Libya’s ruins is the city of Leptis Magna, which is a short drive from Sabratha. Leptis Magna was ruled by the Romans off and on until 533 AD, when the Berbers and local tribes settled in. The Arabs took complete control in 644 and any traces of Roman life were swept away.

Today, the city continues to be reborn through archaeological research. When visiting Leptis Magna, the first thing that comes to view is the Severan Arch, which was erected in honor of Emperor Septimus Severus. Nearby are the marble and granite Hadrianic Baths, the largest such baths outside of Rome. Also within the Leptis Magna is a theater and extraordinarily detailed basilica, and a shrine dedicated to the worship of nymphs. A little farther down the sea coast is the remains of the amphitheater, which was originally home to chariot races and the circus.

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