Libya Commentary 7: Shahhat (Cyrene)

In his seventh installment, filmmaker Matthew Millan travels to the spectacular ancient city of Cyrene, bordering the modern town of Shahat. Cyrene was founded by Greek settlers in the 5th century BCE, and quickly became one of the greatest centers of philosophy in North Africa. The city and the surrounding territory was officially transformed into a Roman province by 74 BCE. It would stay an important urban center until 272 CE when an earthquake severely damaged it. After the earthquake, the city declined until it was completely abandoned by the 4th century CE.

Once an absolutely beautiful site, it has sadly become neglected over the years. Trash litters the once lush fountains, and statues have long since been vandalized, their heads removed by various groups, from the Ottomans to the Italians.

Still these ruins are some of the best and most extensive in the Classical World. It is my sincere hope that one day soon they can be restored and preserved, for the belong not just to the Libyan people, but to the whole of humanity.

Category:

Film & Animation

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