Sabratha: Ancient Roman City

Sabratha was the westernmost city of Roman Tripolis.

Sabratha lies on Libya's Mediterranean coast near Tripoli.

Sabratha’s port began as a Phoenician trading post about 500 BCE.

Romans rebuilt Sabratha in the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE.

Severan dynasty nearly doubled Sabratha’s size during its rule.

Earthquakes in the 4th century badly damaged Sabratha’s buildings.

Vandals controlled Sabratha in the 5th century, causing abandonment.

Byzantines built churches and a small defensive wall in Sabratha.

Temples in Sabratha honored Liber Pater, Serapis, and Isis.

Emperor Commodus dedicated a temple to Hercules here in 186 AD.

Rich mosaic floors decorated elite Roman homes in Sabratha.

Coastal erosion and sea spray threaten Sabratha’s ancient ruins today.

Modern Sabratha hosts a university and a football club.

Entrance of the ancient theater in Sabratha, Libya.