Leptis Magna-The Roman Empire in Africa

Again!! It is not a complaint but an expression of awe. This is the second time i visited the site in two years time yet i never stop to be impressed of its grandeur. Places i’ve been ’til now traces of the Roman Empire can be found and Libya is full of sites rich of these wonderful cultural heritage…Leptis Magna is not just any!

The museum in the site is oozing with priceless treasures, sculptures,various artifacts of daily living found during excavation one more beautiful than the other…vases, coins, knives, units of measurements and every possible gadget one wonders what for. Then we went outside for the vast spread the archaeological site extends.

Leptis Magna as the word suggests itself is magnificent rivaling even that of Alexandria became one of the three most important cities of the Roman Empire in Africa. Manifesting its grandeur one is welcomed by the impressive triumphal arch, the paved colonnaded streets, temples, the amphitheater, the baths, market places and everywhere you turn your gaze one never stops to be impressed.

With this visit i accompanied willingly two friends as their “guide” so to speak……Al Khums 130 km from Tripoli lies Leptis Magna…it took us an hour and a half to arrive but worth every minute.

A beautiful day to relive the past!

Ghost Town Ghadames

Palm tree trunks, mud and lime this what makes up this UNESCO World Heritage. We arrived mid-day and entered the old town…an errie feeling of silence, an abrupt change of light and temperature, our voices echoing. Yet a unique place of its kind. An oasis from the desert’s harsh reality, protection of its people from the extent heat and most of all an integral showcase of a culture etched in the arhitecture and in the homes so lovingly created with grace, beauty and art despite the adverse environmental conditions.

I imagine it a bustling place with animals, merchants with their trades, people of various aspects…a picturesque scene vivid with colors instead now of a Ghost Town echoing of memories.

Present Ghadames population lives outside the old town with modern houses although during hot summer days they do return to their now well restored homes.

A marvelous place to be…!