Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna
Samantha Minerva and Lisbeth Molina
Leptis Magna is one of the most spectacular Roman ruins in the Mediterranean. Its natural port facilitated the city’s growth as a major Mediterranean trade centre. It was also a market for agricultural production in the fertile coastland region. Leptis Magna was enlarged and embellished by Septimius Severus, who was born there and later became emperor. Leptis’ eventual decline was caused by increasing insecurity on the frontier after the Arab conquest in 642 The status of Leptis, as an urban center, effectively ceased and it fell into ruin.
Despite the political, security and economic problems that the country has faced since 2011 there have been no cases of damage or serious violations. This is due to the measures taken by the Department of Antiquities in collaboration with Tourists, Police and the locals.
The Department of Antiquities Survey Unit makes regular visits to monitor the site and its historic environment. The site itself is fully accessible to the public. However, the museums have been closed and most of the contents stored in safe places away from the museums.
Why UNESCO decided to include Leptis Magna in the List of World Heritage?
According to the UNESCO website, this site fits criteria (I), (II), and (III) to be included on the world heritage list.It was decided in 1982 that this site would be added to the List of World Heritage then was later put on the List of World Heritage In Danger in 2016.
(I)
To represent a masterpiece of human creative genius
(II)
To exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design
(III)
To bear a unique testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
MAIN THREATS IDENTIFIED IN PREVIOUS MISSION REPORTS
reports find that the current state of conservation of the site is satisfactory but could be improved with the help of more funding and political stability.
Protection and Conservation Measures
- 2016/2017: a DOA survey team conducted a survey and condition assessment of the exposed architectural .
- November 2017 : a DOA documented 2000 portable archaeological objects within the archaeological zone.
- Conservation and maintenance works are constantly replaced since 2013.
- Control the vegetation.
This site has many threatening factors endangering it. Tourism, warfare and environmental threats are all factors of this site becoming endangered. Although the main threats are due to environmental issues, all play a key role in the future of the ancient archaeological site of Leptis Magna.