Libyan
History And Highlights
According
to discoveries of Cave Hawa Al Ftaeih and to geological
studies, Libyans have inhabited the Green Mountain region
70,000 (seventy thousand years ago) indicating the fact
that Libyans have been in the area since the beginning of
mankind.
Arguably enough, Libya ought to be the most adventurous and tourist attraction of all North Africa, yet Libya is the least encountered by the western visitor.
From the Archaeological sites scattered all over the country to contrasting salt lakes in the Sahara, Libya is by all standards has a great potential for tourism. .
Libya is a vast country
stretching from the southern coastline of the
Mediterranean deep in Africa. Libya's total area is 1.760
million square Kilometres, a territory larger than the
area covered by western Europe put together and its
history has been linked to human civilisations in the
east, west, and in the south penetrating far into ancient
times.
The Phoenicians
having arrived from Aljazira Al Arabia and built their
city in Carthage have sat foot along the Libyan coastline
since the beginning of the 9th.
Century BC. They built commercial cities that extended
from Sabratha to the Gulf of Sirte. Having accomplished
their supremacy they penetrated south reaching Germa,
the cross - road of all desert caravans.
The Phoenicians
pushed their fleets to the north, toward Spain, Italy,
and Cyprus in an attempt to control both sides of the
Mediterranean. They had to fight rigorous wars against
the Romans and the Greeks
at the same time.
The Greeks
built their empire centralised in Cyrene
during the 7Th.
Century BC and started penetrating to the west
in the direction of the Gulf of Sirte
which was historically the divided lines between the east
and the west of Libya.
The
Greeks had to fight the Phoenicians
and during the 8th.
Century BC penetrated the Libyan coastline and
founded their first Greek colonial city in the region of Wadi
kxam east of Leptis.
The Germantes
penetrated the Grand Sahara and reached the edges of Hammadat
Morzuk and Wadi Al Ajal. They acclaimed their supremacy
over this region and founded their capital Germa.
Germa was the centre of Germantes
community and a thriving Desert town governed by Nobles
and Merchants serving as a desert cross - road to all
desert caravans.
Wars
started in the west of the Gulf of Sirte between the Phoenicians
and the Greeks and then with the Romans. These wars
lasted for more than four centuries, from the 6th.
Century until Carthagewas defeated in 146 BC by the Romans,
who burnt the city and killed 450,000 of its inhabitants
leaving only 50,000 alive.
During
the 1st. century BC and as a
result of these wars Libya was divided into two equal
parts with the Gulf of Sirte as the dividing line. The Greeks
controlled the eastern part with the help of the
Ptolemais of Egypt ruling over Cyrene,
Tulmitha, Tubrok, Tukrah
and Cyranica, while the Phoenicians
(The Carthagians) controlled the west of the
line ruling over Leptis, Tripoli,
and Sabratha. In the south, the Germantes
built their empire in the Libyan Sahara from
their capital Germa.
During this century the Libyans built their first organised state in North Africa. The capital city was not in Libyan territories but rather in Algeria known as Pnumedia, which was located to Costantinia in Algeria today. The Romans who conquered Carthage which was the most important harbour in North Africa and represented a fortress against the Romans in 146 BC also conquered Pnumedia.
Carved
engravings on the rocks of mountain caves and caverns
stand as a testament to this ancient Libyan civilisation.
The rock carvings (sometimes known as paintings)
symbolise animals, carriages and other aspects of that
ancient society.
During
the course of her history, the Phoenicians, the Vandals,
the Greeks, and the Romans have invaded the country many
times during ancient times. The most important, however,
was the Islamic conquest in the year 642 AD. From the
sixteenth century to the turn of the twentieth century
the country was part of the Ottoman Islamic empire. In
1911, Libya suffered colonial invasion and conquest by
the Italians and became involved in the world wars
without its consent.
Archaeologists
shall find a satisfying experience when visiting Roman
and Greek Pentapolis in Leptis Magna, Sabratha,
Cyrene, Ptolemais, Roman ruins such
as Marco Aurelio Arch still stand in
Tripolitania on the Mediterranean
coast and trace the monumental ruins of almost all
civilisations. Status and almost complete cities are
still in tact, while Desert adventurers will have plenty
to explore in the south when visiting Ghadames,
Ghat, and Zueila. Geographers and Geologist
will have a cumbersome task explaining the existence of
natural desert salt lakes in Waw Alnamoos -
Gaber Oun.
Historians
on the other hand, will be amazed by prehistoric rock and
cave paintings only to be found in the Akakus
and the Messak mountains and in Wadi
Al Hayat where the Germantes
built their civilisation that extended to the south.
Islamic
Calligraphy was developed as a fine art to glorify the
teachings of Islam and the Gurgi Mosque, rich in Islamic
design. The Islamic Museum and the Saraya Al Hambra's
museum and a visit to the old city provide many fine
exhibits of Roman, Greek, Turkish and Islamic cultures,
which have combined to create Libya's rich and colourful
heritage in the heart of its historical capital Tripoli.
On
the other hand Libya with its extended coastline of
natural beaches and golden sands offers an added
enjoyment to your stay in Libya.
Beach Resorts have been built along the coastline with its private beaches. On the other hand public beaches are scattered around wherever you are.
On behalf of Cydamos Limited we do hope that your visit is an enjoyable one with our added comfort and experience.
On the following pages you will find a tour to other interesting sites that you might want to add to your travel itinerary.
Tripoli - The Old Market
Benghazi
Ptolemais
Qsar Libya
Apollonia
Teuchira
Tobruk
Slontah
Zletin
Misurata
Ghat
Germa
Ubari Sand
Tripoli
Ghirza
Byzantine Church (Tulmitha)
Tokta - Teuchira
Tripoli
A beautiful city, called " the bride of the Mediterranean", is the largest city in Libya and the historical capital city. It was founded by the Phoenicians in 1000 B.C., and later absorbed by the Romans. The Arab Muslims liberated Tripoli or "Oea" in 643 A.D. Some of the ruins bear the marks of the various civilisations that once prospered in the city. The Arch of Marcus Aurelius represents the Roman era, while Al - Saraya Al- Hamra fortress stands as a witness to the various nationalities who inhabited the city.
This huge castle was probably built on the ruins of a Roman building dating from the 1st. century A.D. Arab Muslims, Spaniards, Knights of St. John, Ottomans, Turks and Italians used it as a government building. Now it houses the largest museum in the country featuring an impressive collection of local Libyans, Phoenicians, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Muslim antiques. A visit to this museum and a walk in the Old Market is a must for any visitor to Tripoli. The city also offers a combined rich and colourful heritage and a tour guide is required to unveil this glorious heritage of the city.
Benghazi
Benghazi offers a great opportunity for visitors to spend pleasant hours in its zoo, playgrounds, and green gardens. The tree -lined avenues, fine beaches, elegant mosques and modern architecture, and the new five star hotels provide the background of the city
During the World Wars Benghazi Was used as a supply military
Base by The Italians during their occupation of the country in 1911.
As Tripoli, Benghazi's Streets and buildings are much reflected and typical to the Italian style of architecture found currently in many Italian coastal cities.
Modern Benghazi is a mixture of old and new modern architecture and a Cosmopolitan city featuring five star hotels, Restaurants, recreation facilities, the old market place and many interesting places.
The Greeks fought long lasting wars since the turn of the 6th. century were a depleting force in Libya they had to rely on king Ptolemais of Egypt who sent his army through the desert and helped the Greeks extend their supremacy in Libya until 322 BC.
The city flourished during the Roman occupation of Cyranica during the year 96 AD when its populace enjoyed good and prosperous standards of life only to be found in the Roman capital Rome at that time and replaced Cyrene as the capital city of the region until it suffered a major earthquake during the year 365 AD and only then Apollonia became the Capital city of the region.
Tulmaytha museum exhibits various collections of the ancient Ptolemais and includes various mosaics of the numerous Palaces that were erected in the area during the First Century A.D.
Among the archaeological sites to visit includes an excellent museum, the Western Basilica, the Palace with its Columns, the Theatre and typical Roman underground Cisterns for water heating and steam.
Benghazi
Ptolemais
Qsar Libya
Apollonia
Teuchira
Tobruk
Slontah
Zletin
Misurata
Ghat
Germa
Ubari Sand
Tripoli
Ghirza
Byzantine Palace (Apollonia)
Apollonia
Apollonia
( Sousa )
The city of Sousa was known as Apollonia during the Greek - Roman times and served as a port for the city of Cyrene, when the once well known Silphium plant was exported. By the end of the 6th. century A.D., its importance exceeded that of Cyrene and Ptolemais.
Visitors to the site will certainly enjoy the fine weather and beautiful Mediterranean beaches as well as the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins.Among its highlights are the Greek Theatre, the Roman Baths, the Basilicas walls, and the Byzantine Palace which served as a government building in the 6th. century A.D..
Teuchira ( Tokra )
Beautifully overlooking the Mediterranean sea Teuchira is an hour drive to the north east of Benghazi and presently known as Tokrah. Founded and used by the Greeks as one of their main ports probably around the 7th. Century BD.
The city changed its name to Cleopatros, after her daughter Cleopatra of Egypt when she married the Roman military commander Octavius and turned him against Rome in the year 34. The Romans regained power over the city in the year 31.
In 96 B. C. Teuchira became under the Roman domination and as was the case with other Roman cities of Libya, it flourished during the 1st. and 2nd. century A.D. In Byzantine era the defences of the city were strengthen to resist the attacks by various Libyan tribes from the south and west.
The tribe of Luata dominated the whole Cyrenaica, then on 643 A.D., the whole region of eastern Libya became part of the Great Islamic Nation, exept Teuchira that felt to Muslim`s advent in 644 - 645 A.D.
Teuchira
was once one of the five important cities built during Ptolemaist
period; (Apollonia, Ptolemais,
Cyrene, and Cyranica). A
visitor not only can see a Byzantine Fortress and the
first Byzantine church in the history of North
Africa, but also can spend a wonderful day soaking in
the golden shores of the Mediterranean.
Tobruk
Located 250 miles east of Benghazi. Tobrouk was founded by the Greeks under the Greek name of Plynus as a harbour.
Tobruk stands as one of the battlefields symbolising the world wars. In Tobrukthe Headquarters of German Commander General Romel was formed to supervise military operations during the second world war. General Montgomery also used this underground headquarters during the British occupation in the fifties.
Today,
you can visit the town and the site, where you can still
see Cannons and Tanks on display and you
can visit the Allied Cemeteries; The French,
Knightsbridge, and the German Cemeteries.
Many Britons, French, and Austrians visit Tobruk every year where they can still grieve their loved ones from the foreign legion who died during the second world war.
Benghazi
Ptolemais
Qsar Libya
Apollonia
Teuchira
Tobruk
Slontah
Zletin
Misurata
Ghat
Germa
Ubari Sand
Tripoli
Ghirza
Rock Carvings (Slontah)
Slontah
Ancient Libyans attributed great importance to tombs and cemeteries as they believed in life after death. Many tombs and sepulchres were found in Shahhat which goes back to the Greek and Roman times.
The explorer "Hayman" has recently discovered this new sanctuary in the south of Shahhat (Cyrene).
Located 30 miles south of Al-Beda offering historical Temples and pre Islamic houses of worships. Rock paintings of medieval creatures, animals and human like Carvings can be identified in the site.
Discovered by the Greeks but these Carvings indicate the fact that this city was very prosperous long before the arrival of the Greeks.
The monument and its engravings are important because they are of pure Libyan with local style and have no Roman or Greek influence. Even though the monument leads to pre-historic Libyans, archaeological studies will continue to establish the exact construction period of this Temple.
Zletin
Located
100 miles to the east of the capital Tripoli and
near Leptis Magna. A small conservative
town that hosts the tomb of Sidi Abdu Assalam El Asmar;
a holly man who lived and died during the 15th.
Century.
Near its harbour a very beautiful Roman Palace with Mosaic floors was discovered indicating the fact that the Romans enjoyed great wealth while colonising Libya.
One of the largest and most beautifully designed Mosques in Libya has been built that surrounds the grave. The town is famous of Olive, Palm trees and Citrus fruits along beautiful shores. A visitor would pass by Zletin on his way to Misurata.
Misurata
Situated in the Gulf of Sirte and is located 200 km to the west of Tripoli and is the third largest city. Misurata is a semi Island while Qasar Ahmed is extended in the Mediterranean sea. The city served as an important marine port since the middle ages.
The city has a unique museum displaying various monumental discoveries when a group of Archaeologists discovered very old Potters, tons of bronze coins, and underground cemeteries. It is estimated that these findings dates back to the 5th. And 6th. Century BC.
Misurata
is also famous for its Carpets and Kleems
and a visit to Laffa market has to be included in
your itinerary. Also products from nearby Tawargha; famous
of its hand-crafted products made from palm leaves are
also to be found in the market. The Geramantes
fought against the Romans and other powers.
Benghazi
Ptolemais
Qsar Libya
Apollonia
Teuchira
Tobruk
Slontah
Zletin
Misurata
Ghat
Germa
Ubari Sand
Tripoli
Ghirza
Rock Engravings - Germa
The Grand Sahara
Ghirza
Cyrene
Ghat
Located 350 miles further to the south of Ghadames Very deep in the Libyan Sahara near the Akakus Mountains and cave El-Djnoon within the Adhan Ubari area. Ghat can be accessed either via the largest city in the south Sebha or through Ghadames using 4WD. Ghat is a desert oasis inhabited by the famous tribe of Tuareq who lived and travel all over the Grand Sahara and it is considered as one of their important desert trading posts through which desert caravans crossing the great Sahara pass by it and rest.
Italians and French used the oasis and developed it to a desert town. A visitor can still find an Italian Fort and an old Mosque in the old town. A visit to the new town located near by is a must to any visitor who wishes to relax after a tiresome journey.
A visit during December is recommended; during which an annual festival is held showing the culture and rituals of the Tribe mixed with their colourful Folk dancing. It is here where you can experience Camel riding, witnessing an authentic local wedding ceremony. It is your chance to get very close to the Tuareq to see their life, listen to their music, feel their jubilation and add further enjoyment to your already enjoyed experience.
Germa
The ruins of Germa are located in southern Libya 160 Km south west of Sebha and 245 miles to the north east of Ghatand was the capital city of excavation project for the the Germantes. Even though an extensive ruins of ruins and monuments is under way, Germaother archaeological Zueila are sites not to be missed. and
The Germantes are the first inhabitant of the region. They originated from the Tibesti region further south. More than a couple of thousand of years, these worriers acclaimed their supremacy over this region presently known as Fezzan. They are considered the largest Libyan Tribe.
After Carthage was defeated by the Romans in 146BC, Germa became the centre of resistance against the Romans and even though it was well hidden behind Ubari Sand Dunes, the Roman military leader Cornelius Bilboos leading Emperor's Augustus army battalion conquered and destroyed Germa in the year 19. To celebrate their triumph victorious celebration was held in Sabratha on 27 March of the year 19BC.
The ancient Libyans who used feathers as their symbol, recorded their battles and wars by engraving them on the rocks. Ancient houses, temples and baths carry the distinguished designs of the different civilizations that existed on this land.
Ancient Egyptian, Carthaginians, Greeks and Romans settled in this region dating back to 5000 B.C. In the near mountains of Zinkakrah and Akakus these colourful drawings and engravings on the rocks stand as evidence of these great civilizations deep in the Libyan Sahara.
The Sand Sea
Located deep in the Western section of the Libyan Sahara and within the Ramlat Zallat and Daouada area incorporating a number of salt lakes in the region. The site is accessible only with 4WD vehicles and in the company of experienced guides. It provides a picturesque landscape of thrilling sand dunes resembling an ocean of sand.
It is only during Cartage era, the Libyans have managed to penetrate the Grand Sahara; an area never thought to be possible in the history of mankind. The amazing aspect of this invasion lies in the fact that the Libyans at that time did not know Camels as yet and used only horses and donkeys.
Lake Gaberoun is the highlight of this site presenting an unusual mixture of a real salt lake and palm trees in the desert. A swim in the desert lakes of Waw Alnamoos is an added experience.
Ghirza was an Arab town which developed and flourished during the early centuries A.D. in a semi desert area through the sheer will of the inhabitants.
Ghirza is located in the Werfella area south of Tripoli and is one houre drive from the town of Beni Walid. It is bounded by Wadi Ghirza in the north before it meets Wadi Zamzam.
The origin of the name Ghirza is unknown, but according to the historian Ptolemy, its name originated from Gerisa, which is one of the towns in the Sirte area.
Ghirza offers important archaeological sites which were built at the end of the Hellenic era. Many Tombs bearing Arabic names were found engraved on the main tomb in the northern cemetery. Tripoli museum houses a reconstruction of one of these tombs.