MONUMENTS OF THE ANTIQUITIES OF LIBYA

the libyan desert 

Libya is considered the largest open-air museum for antiquities in the world, with artifacts spread across all historical periods. These range from prehistory, to Punic, Greek, Roman, and Islamic artifacts. 

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Prehistoric Antiquities:
These include rock engravings that are found in the southwestern and southeastern regions of Libya. Notable examples include the sites of Tashwint, Matkhendush, and Jabal al-Awinat. 

 The Greeks:
Greeks arrived on the eastern coast of Libya in the 7th century BC and initially settled in the area where they established the city of Cyrene (Shahat). They later founded other cities, including: the city of Barca (Marj), Tocra (Tukhira), Ptolemais (Talmitha), Apollonia (Susa), and Berenice (Benghazi).

The Phoenicians (Canaanites):
The Phoenicians reached the western coast of Libya through their commercial voyages across the Mediterranean Sea, where they established numerous trading stations, many of which developed into prosperous cities. The most important of these cities were Leptis Magna, Oea (Tripoli), and Sabratha. Notable Phoenician relics include the Punic tomb in Sabratha and many tombs found in the outskirts of these three cities.

The Romans:
The Roman control over North Africa began after the defeat of the Carthaginians, which ended with the destruction of the city of Carthage. In 96 BC, the five cities—Cyrene, Apollonia, Ptolemais, Tocra, and Euesperides—came under Roman rule.  
In 46 BC, Julius Caesar managed to take control of the three cities—Leptis Magna, Oea (Tripoli), and Sabratha. After their conquest of the region, the Romans were able to transform these cities into Roman-style urban centers. 

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