Cyrene, Libya

Cyrene ( ) was an ancient Greek and later Roman city near present-day Shahat, Libya. It was the oldest and most important of the five Greek cities in the region known as the Pentapolis ("Five Cities") in Cyrenaica. Cyrene was founded in 630 BC by Greek settlers from Thera, and it became a center of intellectual and artistic activity in the ancient world.

History

Cyrene was established by settlers from the island of Thera (modern Santorini) led by Battus I, who became the first king of Cyrene. The city was named after a spring, Kyre, which was sacred to the local Libyan tribes. Cyrene quickly grew in wealth and power, becoming a major center of trade and culture.

During the 5th century BC, Cyrene became a republic and was known for its schools of philosophy and medicine. The city was home to the famous philosopher Aristippus, a student of Socrates, who founded the Cyrenaic school of philosophy.

In 331 BC, Cyrene was conquered by Alexander the Great, and after his death, it became part of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. In 96 BC, Cyrene was bequeathed to the Roman Republic and became a Roman province in 74 BC.

Cyrene continued to flourish under Roman rule, but it began to decline in the 3rd century AD due to economic difficulties and invasions. The city was eventually abandoned in the 4th century AD.

Archaeological Significance

Cyrene is one of the most important archaeological sites in North Africa. The ruins of the city include the Temple of Apollo, which dates back to the 7th century BC, the Temple of Zeus, which was one of the largest in the Greek world, and the Temple of Demeter. The city also features a large necropolis, a gymnasium, and a forum.

The site of Cyrene was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to its historical significance and well-preserved ruins.

Cultural Impact

Cyrene was a major center of learning and culture in the ancient world. It was known for its schools of philosophy, medicine, and mathematics. The city produced several notable philosophers, including Aristippus and Eratosthenes, who was the first to calculate the circumference of the Earth.

Also see

• Pentapolis (North Africa)
• Cyrenaica
• Ancient Greece
• Roman Libya
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Libya