Sabratha – On the sidelines of the Sabratha Tourism Festival and Gialo Dates Exhibition, an interview was held. The festival started last Thursday and runs for three days. Mohamed Abu Agila is Sabratha’s Antiquities Inspector. He spoke with the Libyan News Agency. Abu Agila revealed much about the ancient city’s history. He also highlighted challenges threatening its deep human heritage. Sabratha has witnessed successive civilizations for over two millennia.
The archaeological city of Sabratha is located about 70 kilometers west of Tripoli. It is one of Libya’s oldest historical cities. The Phoenicians founded it in the sixth century BC. It later became a key city on the Libyan coast. Other important cities included Carthage in Tunisia, Leptis Magna, and Oea (present-day Tripoli). Sabratha still retains several prominent Phoenician landmarks. Among them is the Phoenician Monument from the third century BC. It stands today as a symbol of the Phoenician presence in Libya.
The city flourished during the Roman era. It transformed into an important maritime trade center. Its port overlooked the Mediterranean Sea. This port was a main link between Africa and Rome. African products arrived at Sabratha port via caravan routes. These routes came from the heart of the African desert and the city of Germa. Products were then exported to Rome and other European empires through bartering. A mosaic panel discovered in Ostia port near Rome confirms this commercial role. It bears an inscription referring to “Sabratha City Wharf.” An elephant drawing is at its center. This clearly indicates the export of African products through Sabratha.
Sabratha is distinguished by its diverse archaeological features. The famous Roman Theater is among them. It is considered one of North Africa’s most beautiful and complete theaters. It retains its architectural character. It is still used today for cultural and artistic events. The city also features Hippodamian planning. This plan uses intersecting longitudinal and transverse streets. Worship houses, residences, markets, and a public square are interspersed. The square hosted ancient celebrations and gatherings. Sabratha also includes public Roman baths, known as Sea Baths. Additionally, ancient roads and a wrestling arena lie east of the city. These sites urgently require restoration and maintenance.
UNESCO listed Sabratha as a World Heritage Site in 1982. It was recognized as a key archaeological site retaining its original features. However, Libya’s security conditions over past years changed its status. Sabratha, along with Leptis Magna and Cyrene, was added to the World Heritage in Danger list.
Abu Agila clarified the meaning of the “Danger List.” He stated it does not mean a loss of the site’s value. Instead, it serves as an international warning and pressure. It targets relevant authorities and successive governments. The aim is to provide necessary protection and care for these cities. He noted that Ghadames successfully exited this list. This was due to combined efforts from the Department of Antiquities, civil society, and local institutions. Sabratha now seeks to achieve the same. It aims for a partnership between the Department of Antiquities, the municipality, and civil society.
The Antiquities Inspector outlined the city’s main challenges. Most are technical and environmental. Foremost is the advancement of seawater. This threatens coastal landmarks like Roman baths and places of worship. Weather factors and climate change also impact the site. Winds accelerate erosion processes. Random vegetation poses a risk to mosaic floors. He also noted the city spans about 40 hectares. Protecting it requires significant capabilities. These include foot patrols, electronic security, and transportation. All these efforts face limited resources.
Abu Agila affirmed Sabratha has faced no thefts or attacks on its antiquities. This is true despite all the challenges in recent years. It is thanks to the efforts of the Tourist Police and Antiquities Protection. The cooperation of monitoring staff also played a role.
Efforts are underway to restore archaeological and scientific activity. Abu Agila mentioned the return of foreign collaborations. Universities from Palermo and Rome are among them. Cooperation had stopped due to security conditions. These missions contribute to excavation and discovery work. They also provide expertise and training courses. Libyan restorers and researchers benefit from these programs.
Sabratha’s Antiquities Inspector addressed the status of museums. He explained they have remained closed for years. This was due to security circumstances. However, the reopening of the National Museum in Tripoli is a positive indicator. It signals an improvement in the situation. Initiatives are now beginning to reopen museums in other cities. Sabratha Museum is among them. This is especially important with the increasing visits by official delegations and tourist groups.
He confirmed that all Sabratha Museum holdings remain preserved. Committees were formed in 2014 and 2015. They hid artifacts in secure, secret locations. Staff worked day and night under extremely difficult conditions to protect them. He expressed hope for the museum’s soon reopening. This would allow these treasures to be displayed to visitors once more.
Abu Agila concluded by emphasizing that cultural heritage protection is a collective responsibility. The Department of Antiquities cannot undertake it alone. He called for active roles from civil society and the education sector. Local institutions must also participate. He urged the organization of more tourism and environmental festivals. More volunteer activities are also needed. The goal is to restore Sabratha to its natural status. It should be a major archaeological city in the Mediterranean. It should also be a destination for visitors and tourists worldwide.