Itinerary

Day 1

The city of Leptis Magna began as a trading port for the ancient people of Phoenicia around 1,000 B.C. and then became part of the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis. Leptis was the most easterly of the three cities that gave the North Africa region of Tripolitania its name.

The city grew as a prosperous trading center, but raids by desert tribes in the 4th century A.D. and the city was virtually abandoned by the 8th century. Leptis Magna was associated with the Roman Empire for more than 500 years beginning in the 1st century B.C. During that time, many buildings were constructed and these Roman structures, well preserved under sand for centuries, have made the city an important area for archaeological study since the 1920's Leptis Magna was also known as the birthplace of Roman emperor, Lucius Septimius Severus, (A.D. 146-211) and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Archaeological excavations have unearthed several layers of ruins that show various periods of occupation at the site. Underneath the remains of a large theatre built in the 1st century A.D. is a cemetery probably dating from the 4th or 3rd century B.C. particularly well preserved is Roman buildings that include the elaborate Hadrian Baths as well the remains of the forum and basilica erected during the era of Emperor Severus.

Just outside the main city, you well see the Grand Amphitheatre. Constructed in 56 A.D. and boasting unrivalled acoustics, it could accommodate up to 16,000 spectators.