The conflict in Libya intensified recently when the UN Security Council voted to go forth with plans to implement an air strike in Libya, in an attempt to show allied resolve in bringing down Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.  The airstrikes are specifically targeting military compounds to decrease Gadhafi’s military capabilities and help Libyan insurgency forces.

Along with the airstrikes comes a concern not only for civilians, but for the five UNESCO World Heritage sites in Libya: the archaeological sites of Leptis Magna, Sabratha, Cyrene, the rock art sites of Tadrart Acacus, and the old town of Ghadames.  UNESCO director general Irina Bokova insisted that the protection of these sites during the strikes is essential, saying that these sights “bear witness to the great technical and artistic achievements of the ancestors of the people of Libya, and constitute a precious legacy.”  Indeed, these sites are important relics of history.

Leptis Magna

The ruins of Leptis Magna, the third largest metropolis of the Roman Empire, are considered to be the best preserved remains of the Roman Empire outside of Italy. The city was established in 46 B.C.E. when Emperor Septimius Severus decided to include it in the African province. The original forum, workshops, a port, temples, baths, a market and many other structures are still extremely well preserved today.  Existing approximately 75 miles outside Tripoli, these ruins could be in danger.

Sabratha, another preserved Roman settlement, houses the remains of the scena, a theatre that once held 5,000.  During its most prosperous period during the 2^nd and 3^rd centuries B.C.E., many extravagant monuments were erected by Emperor Commodus.  The Temples of Liber Pater, Hercules, Serpais, and Isis, the Basilica of Justinian, the Capitolium, and Mosaics of the House of Jason Magnus are some of these notable, sacred monuments that remain, despite the religious disputes of the 4^th century B.C.E. and the earthquake of 365 B.C.E., which ultimately led to the city’s downfall. Being located approximately 50 miles outside of Tripoli, Libya’s capital and one of Gadhafi’s primary military bastions, the potential for this site to be damaged is particularly concerning.

Cyrene, also known as “the Athens of Africa,” is one of the largest and oldest Greek cities in northern Africa. It was conquered by the Romans in 96 B.C.E., who maintained control until the earthquake and tidal wave of 365 B.C.E. led to its downfall.  But an early Christian basilica, towering columns, and many precious mosaics still remain today. Cyrene is cause for concern not because of its proximity to Tripoli, but because of its closeness to Benghazi, a rebel stronghold. Within Cyrene, many sacred sites exist.  Cyrene’s location was centered on the sacred fountain of Apollo because of its connection in legend to a Greek maiden whom Apollo wooed and brought to Libya. The Sanctuary of Apollo houses the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Jason Magnus, and the Temple of Isis, in which the statue of an Egyptian goddess has been found.  The largest temple in Cyrene is the Temple of Zeus, built by the Greeks.  It housed a statue of Zeus which was destroyed when it was taken over by the Romans. Later, Jewish marauders sacked the temple in the second century B.C.E. and the Byzantines were the last to use it around 500 B.C.E.  Only some pillars, the altar, and inner walls remain. Many groups have attempted renovation, including Italian archaeologists who continue the work today.  Many more interesting archaeological sites exist, making what remains of Cyrene an important representation of the ancient world.

The rock art and cave paintings of Tadrart Acacus are preserved in the desert region next to Algeria.  Situated amongst a magnificent landscape of sand dunes, petrified arches, and lone towers, these paintings date back to 12,000 B.C.E. and are an important representation of changing landscapes and cultures, because they continued to be painted until 100 C.E.  Much of the art depicts native animals, hunting and dancing rituals, and everyday scenes. Engravings from the Pleistocene era, also known as the naturalistic phase (12,000-8,000 B.C.E.), depict large savannah mammals such as elephants and rhinoceroses. From the round-head era (8,000-4,000 B.C.E.) characterized by a humid climate, paintings and engravings of fauna and magic religious scenes remain. In the pastoral phase (4,000-1,500 B.C.E.) the art shifted to bovine herds and in the horse phase (1,500 B.C.E. to early first centuries B.C.E.), the climate of the zone was arid, so certain species disappeared while the horse came to be the focus. When the climate changed to that of a desert in the first centuries B.C.E., camels were the focus of the last paintings.

The old fortified city of Ghadames occupies the final spot on UNESCO’s list of Libyan World Heritage sites. Its unique network of underground alleys that lie beneath outdoor terraces as well as its history of being a trade hub between Libya, Algeria, and Tunisia earned Ghadames a spot on the list.

All of these sights are protected by the Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and eight of the twelve counties who agreed to the no-fly zone signed it. As the conflict continues, UNESCO is hopeful that these sites will not be caught in the crossfire.

In 2005 SSIF featured Tara Hill on our Most Endangered Sacred Sites List. The threat at that time, a freeway built right next to the sacred hill, is still the threat. Yet, another freeway!Fresh from the Irish government’s disgraceful ruination of the Tara-Skryne Valley sacred landscape, they’re planning another assault on the area containing many of Ireland’s primary ritual sites.Take a look at the link below. And watch this space; we’ll post details of who to contact as and when we know them.The Hill of Tara is not the only important heritage threatened by the Leinster Orbital Route. The Heritage Town of Trim is to be bisected.Check this story on Indymedia:http://www.indymedia.ie/article/94705UN MUST SAVE TARA PETITIONhttp://www.savetarapetition.net

http://sacred-sites.org/special_project/index.html