City of Shahat
Shahat, located in the Green Mountain region of Libya, was founded by adventurous Greek settlers in 631 BC. The city, originally named Cyrene, is also referred to as Siren. Its first recognized ruler was Battus, who governed for approximately forty years.
Throughout its history, Shahat has been home to numerous civilizations, making it one of the most captivating cities in Libya. It ranks as the tenth most significant historical city in the Arab world.
Notable Attractions in Shahat
- Temples: Shahat is renowned for its temples, notably the Temple of Zeus, regarded as the king of the gods in Greek mythology. This temple is the largest of its kind after the Parthenon in Athens and dates back to the 5th century BC. Additionally, there is the Temple of Apollo, which features a prominent altar, along with the lesser-known Temple of Moulē, the Temple of Artemis with its altar, the Temple of Hecate, the Temple of Hades, and the Capitolium Temple.
- Baths: The city boasts ancient baths from the Greek era, including the Baths of Trajan.
- Greek Market: Known as the Agora, this marketplace is a vital historical site.
- Acropolis Fortress: An iconic landmark of the city.
- Theatres: Shahat contains multiple theatres, including a Roman theatre and a Greek theatre that transitioned into an amphitheater. The Hellenistic theatre, known as the Odeon, is also present.
- Colonnades: Notable colonnades include the Colonnade of Hercules and the Colonnade of Hermes.
- City Wall: Located outside the city, this wall was constructed between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD and features several gates, the most famous being the Greek Gate.
- Columns: Shahat is adorned with numerous columns, with the most notable being the column of Barathymedes.
- Fountains: The city is home to the nymph’s fountain, known as Cyrene, as well as the Hellenistic fountain referred to as ‘The Eye.’
Shahat is also rich in monuments, statues, baths, and palaces, including the famous Gaius Magnus Palace, along with public squares and racetracks. The city features well-preserved Byzantine churches, many of which have withstood the test of time, despite various storms, earthquakes, and wars. It is evident that most of these remains date back to the Roman, Greek, and Hellenistic periods.
It is noteworthy that the Shahat Museum houses approximately 200 rare artifacts, while an impressive collection of about 7,800 pieces remains unexhibited despite having been discovered.