Ancient Greek colony of Cyrene

La ancient Greek colony of Cyrene It was located in present-day Shahhat in Libya, North Africa, in the Djebel Akhdar valley. It was founded by Greeks who came from present-day Tera Santorini, on the advice of the Oracle of Delphi.
Cyrene is one of the oldest cities of the five Greek colonies in the area and became the most important between Egypt and Carthage.

It was called cyrenaica to the entire region, a name that was preserved until recently.
They had a very good relationship with the Libyans and a very good exchange, but the Libyans could not participate in political power.
The place is very important since it was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Cyrene is a very important archaeological and tourist place, one of the most fabulous ruins is the Temple of Apollo built in the XNUMXth century BC, the Temple of the goddess Demeter, the Temple of Zeus excavation has not been completed and between the port of Apollonia and Cyrene is a necropolis. You can also see tombs, the main aqueduct, sculptures, paintings, remains of streets, the road that linked Cyrene with Apolonia can still be traveled.

The Ptolemies favored more Apolonia that to the port of Cyrene and little by little it was entering in descent and the death of the king in the year 95 aC was left in testament to the Romans.
The five cities of the region continued in activity as independent republics, but as protectorate of Rome. With Theodosius I the Great it became part of the Eastern Roman Empire.
Then it became dependent on various empires, until it was left aside from the Mediterranean trade routes.