Libya

Apollonia (Cyrenaica)

Greek harbour city and Byzantine ruins, Cyrenaica, Libya

Location

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Historical Context

About

Apollonia (Greek: Ἀπολλωνία) in Cyrenaica (modern Libya) was founded by Greek colonists and became a significant commercial centre in the southern Mediterranean. It served as the harbour of Cyrene, 20 km (12 mi) to the southwest. Apollonia became autonomous from Cyrene at latest by the time the area came within the power of Rome, when it was one of the five cities of the Libyan Pentapolis, growing in power until, in the 6th century AD, it became the capital of the Roman province of Libya Superior or Libya Pentapolitana. The city became known as Sozusa, which explains the modern name of Marsa Susa or Susa, which grew up long after the cessation of urban life in the ancient city after the Arab invasion of AD 643. Sozusa was an episcopal see and is included in the Catholic Church's list of titular sees.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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365 AD earthquake and tsunami

21 July 365 AD

Greek theatre built

3rd century BC

Eastern basilica constructed

5th century

Ancient port construction

6th/7th century BC

City becomes provincial capital

6th century

Arab invasion and urban decline

AD 643

Early recorded observations

1827

Underwater survey by Nicholas Flemming

1958–1959

Goodchild excavation of the Palace of the Dux

1959–1962

Alix graphic novel setting

1969

Appearances in modern media

2017

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Defensive Walls
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Public and Civic Structures

TheatresAdministrative Buildings
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Religious and Ritual Structures

Churches
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Artistic and Decorative Features

StatuesInscriptionsMonuments
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Domestic and Habitation Structures

CitiesPalaces
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Environmental and Natural Features

Soil Layers
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Transportation and Communication Structures

Quays
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Libya

Coordinates

32.90° N, 21.97° E