The Severan Arch
The way into the ruins.
joepyrek from Richmond, Va, USA — CC BY-SA 2.0 · joepyrek from Richmond, Va, USA — CC BY-SA 2.0 · joepyrek from Richmond, Va, USA — CC BY-SA 2.0 · joepyrek from Richmond, Va, USA — CC BY-SA 2.0 · joepyrek from Richmond, Va, USA — CC BY-SA 2.0
Leptis Magna was among the leading cities of Carthage and Roman Libya, at the mouth of Wadi Lebda on the Mediterranean, near the town of Al-Khums. UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1982. It is among the finest surviving Roman cities in the world, notable for its size and its few visitors, so it can feel entirely your own. It began as a Punic settlement before 500 BC and grew greatly under Emperor Septimius Severus, who was born here. It fell to the Vandals in 439 and returned to the Byzantines in 533. After the Muslim conquest about 647 it was abandoned, and sand dunes buried and preserved it until Italian archaeologists uncovered it in the 1920s. You enter by the Arch of Septimius Severus, then walk paved streets to the Severan Forum and the basilica, with its tall columns and carved piers. You pass the great baths, the old market and the theatre looking towards the sea. The site is very large, so allow at least half a day and wear comfortable shoes. It is about 108 km in a straight line from Tripoli and about 4 km from Al-Khums. Start early in the morning, as shade is scarce, and carry plenty of water. We found no confirmed recent fee. Sources say foreigners need a tour operator or local sponsor to visit Libya. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to this area, so check official guidance before making any plans.
The way into the ruins.
Carved piers, tall columns.
Life in a Roman city.
Near Al-Khums, at the mouth of Wadi Lebda, Libya
At least half a day, as the site is large and its parts lie far apart.
Sand dunes buried it after it was abandoned, until it was uncovered in the 1920s.