 |
|
|
|
The roots of man
settling in Libya go back to the prehistoric
period of the Stone Age, from around 10,000
BC to 2000BC. This period left
evidence of human settlements through a
wealth of paintings and engravings on stones
inside mountain caves. Since then
Libya has been host to diverse people and
civlisations, from the Phoenicians, Greeks,
Carthaginians, Roman and Vandals to the
tyrannical years of the Byzantines.
Evidence of this rich tapestry of cultures
is still visible today and well preserved.
In Roman times there were three cities in
the province called Tripolis; Leptis Magna,
Oea (now modern Tripoli) and Sabratha. |
|
Known as
Tarabulus in Arabic and Oea in ancient times, Tripoli
is the capital of Libya. Once known as the 'White Bride of the
Mediterranean', it has lost must of its pristine allure, though its many
mosques and lively medina retain a good deal of character. The
median, a maze of narrow alleys and covered markets, is the best
shopping in the city and is the heart of Tripoli. The old walled
city also contains all of the historic mosques, khans (inns) hammams and
houses but the most dominant feature of Tripoli is the Red Castle on
Green Square, which sits in the northern headland overlooking the water.
|
 |
|
 |
Leptis Magna was the second Roman
port in Africa and considered the best roman
site in the Mediterranean due to its
spectacular architecture and its massive
scale. The city was originally a
Phoenician port and there are still some
traces of the old Phoenician town but it
really began to grow after the Romans ousted
the Carthaginians. The city then
flourished until the Vandals came and
plundered it in 455 AD. The Arab
invasion swept away the last traces of life
and the city was finally abandoned in the
11th century. Today it is one of the
best preserved Roman cities and one of the
few you can walk through and begin to
understand what life might have been like in
those bygone days.
|
|
Sabratha lies west of Tripoli and was
founded by the Phoenicians in the 6th
century BC. It too flourished under
the Romans and was pillaged by the Vandals
in 455 AD. Later it was occupied by
the Byzantines who fortified and developed
it until the Arab conquest. The
seaside setting, the honey-coloured stone,
and the quality of the carvings make
Sabratha one of the most magical ruins in
Africa. |
 |
| From the
colourful stalls in the souks, the chaotic
winding streets of the old cities, the
sacred mosques, the outstanding ancient
ruins, beautiful beaches, magnificent
mountains, breathtaking colourful a sand
dune, lush oasis and lakes in the desert,
welcoming, friendly people, Libya will
surprise you. |
Prices on request
|
Local Information |
|
Time Difference |
Local Currency |
Local Language |
Average flying time |
Weather |
|
GMT / UTC + 2 |
Libyan Dinar |
Arabic |
6 hours 25 mins |
Click here for
details |
|
|
|
|
|
