Roman architecture became the adopted style of building after the incorporation of Tripolitania into the Roman empire, in 46AD. However, the majority of construction took place during the reign of Septimus Severus, with the building of the cities of Sabratha, Oea/Tripoli and Leptis Magna. These three cities became known as the ‘Tripolis’ (meaning three cities in Latin) and were a showcase for the Roman style of architecture, with its inclusion of large public buildings, baths, and theatres all built in the classical Roman style, incorporating the use of arches, domes and columns ¹.

Sabratha, was originally named Tsabatan by the Carthaginians who established it as a trading post, and renamed Sabratha by the Romans. During the Roman period of Libya, Sabratha was rebuilt in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD in the classic Roman style of architecture,and during the reign of the Severans, doubled in size and relative importance. Sabratha became one of the ‘Tripolis’, together with Leptis Magna and Oea³.

Alongside various Phoenician and Punic remains unearthed in recent excavation campaigns, classical Roman architectural landmarks include the Roman Monuments, the Forum, the Temple of Antoninus Pius, the Temple of Liber Pater, the Temple of Serapis, the Temple of Isis, the Amphitheatre, the Theatre and notably, the Roman baths⁴.

The Roman baths of Sabratha were built on a cliff edge overlooking the Mediterranean and archeologists have concluded that this positioning, together with the use of sandstone blocks, rather than masonry by the engineers, have contributed to the gradual collapse of the vaults over time. The multicoloured mosaic floors of the sea-facing baths have, fortunately, survived for posterity’s enjoyment⁵.

Built in 165 AD, the Arch of Marcus Aurelius is the last monument of Roman Oea. The arch was constructed with the use of Greek marble, with all four corners of the structure pointing to the four points of the compass, and its four walls facing northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest. The Arch is decorated with carvings of various forms, including Lucius Verus’ triumphal chariot, which is headed by the mythical creatures known as Griffins. Also included in the carvings is the chariot of the goddess Roma⁸. The arch was erected at the crossing of two vertical streets and as such had four entrances. It is assumed that the arch served as a location for businessmen of the time to meet and conduct business⁹.

Founded in 7th century BCE by the Phoenicians, Leptis Magna was the largest Roman city in the region of Tripolitania, and in 1982 was honoured with being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site¹⁰. In 46AD the city was incorporated into the Roman empire, however the majority of the present day structures, were built during the reign of the Leptis born Septimus Severus (193-211AD), and are said to be the best preserved Roman archaeological sites in the Mediterranean¹¹.

These include the Severan Arch, the Amphitheatre, the Severa Basilica and the Forum.

The Severan Arch

The Severan Arch, thought to have been built in 203 AD, is a triumphal arch, erected during the reign of Emperor Septimus Severus 193-211AD, to celebrate his victories over the Parthians¹². The Arch is what is known as a tetrapylon, a structure of cubic shape with a gate on all four walls, and usually built on a crossroads¹³. The central arch was made of a limestone base, with marble facades and decorated with frieze panels, showing scenes of the imperial family¹⁴.

The Amphitheatre

The amphitheatre was built between 54-56 AD during the reign of Emperor Nero (37 - 68AD). It was erected on the site of a disused quarry and was said to be able to seat 16000 spectators, at any one time. The oval shaped central arena measures 54 metres long and 47 metres wide and is enclosed by increasing levels of stone seating, used by the general public to view the gladiatorial games, with dignitaries having use of private podiums. The stone seating is still visible to this day. ¹⁵.

A labyrinth of passages and rooms ran under the amphitheatre, and were used for the housing of the gladiators. The animals used for gladiatorial fighting were also kept in these underground quarters. The amphitheatre was also said to be used for public executions of criminals, which involved the tying of the person to a pole and the release of a half starved panther. A depiction of this can be seen on a mosaic in the nearby remains of the Villa Dar Buc Ammera ¹⁶.

The Forum

The Severan Forum was erected by Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD and included the Severan Basilica, the Arcade, a monumental temple and a row of retail premises. The forum measured 170 metres in length and 80 metres in width, with the monumental temple built on a highly raised podium, with Corinthian facade, on the south-western side of the forum¹⁹. The columns and arches of the Arcade are embellished with medallions, depicting the head of Medusas and water nymphs.

As previously mentioned, the Severan Basilica was to the east of the Forum and was completed in 216 AD²⁰.