The French Archaeological Mission in Libya has announced major discoveries at the ancient city of Apollonia in Susa, including a newly identified theatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the rediscovery of a Greek racecourse and sacred complexes.
The mission described the findings as an important scientific development that could provide new information about the history, planning and cultural role of Apollonia.
Professor Vincent Michel, Director of the French Archaeological Mission in Libya, said the Greek racecourse was unique, with no known equivalent elsewhere in Cyrenaica or across the Mediterranean region.
Michel said the discovery was of exceptional archaeological importance and could lead researchers to reassess Apollonia’s history and its place within the ancient Mediterranean world.
The French mission has conducted archaeological research in Libya for decades and has worked at Apollonia-Susa on remains dating from the Greek and Roman periods. Michel has led the mission since 2011.
The participating organisations said the discoveries further strengthen Apollonia’s position as one of Libya’s most important archaeological cities.
The theatre, racecourse and sacred complexes are expected to open new areas of research into the development of the ancient city and the wider history of Cyrenaica.