Cyrene in Shahhat – Libya

A trip to Cyrene in Shahhat is a must for most visitors to Libya. It is the most ancient Greek city in the whole region. It is not just a popular tourist destination; it is also a vital source of historical relics and facts.

How to Get There

It can be found in NE Libya, specifically in a valley at the Jebel Akhdar uplands. The city can be reached by public transport from Al-Bayda. From there you will be taken to Shahhat. A tour service can provide transportation direct to the site.

What to See

There are 28 archaeological sites in the city. These include the Entrance Gates to the Agora, Roman House, the North Gate and the Hadrian’s Milestone. One of the most important features in the site is the temple of Apollo. Archaeologists estimate it was built in the 7th century BC.

The temple of Demeter is another of the famous ruins there. The temple of Zeus has only been partly unearthed. Between the site and the port of Apollonia is a necropolis.

In 2005, Italian archaeologists unearthed 76 well preserved Roman statues. These relics date from the 7th century AD. Because of the 375 AD earthquake, the statues remained concealed for 1,630 years.

A trip to Cyrene in Shahhat will reveal other interesting sights. Other archaeological sites in the area are the Sanctuary of Isis & Serapis, the New Fountain, the Dionysus Mosaic House and Market Theater.

History

The city was established in 630 BC. It was built as a Greek settlement. Much of the city’s origins were discovered from the works of Herodotus. It gained prominence in ancient Libya. By the 5th century, it had its own kings. It also had trade relations with the cities in Greece.

Around 460-BC, the city was transformed into a republic. In 323 BC, the city fell under the Ptolemaic dynasty. The city came under Roman rule also. Tensions arose during the reign of Vespasian (73 AD). This was brought about by the insurrection of the Jews.

Cost

A trip to Cyrene in Shahhat will depend on the mode of transport. Internal flights to the city cost from 75 LYD to 140 LYD. It will depend on where you are coming from.

Taxi fares begin at 2 LYD. For every 100 km, an additional 30 to 50 LYD will be added. If you are going on a trip to Cyrene in Shahhat, make sure all the proper documents, passport and visas are prepared.