From Carthage to Leptis Magna

The Mediterranean rim of North Africa houses some of the world’s finest and best-preserved Roman architecture and features in its museums many priceless mosaics and statues. The Romans conquered the region in 146BC, appointing a Proconsul to oversee its development. A new legion, new roads and many impressive buildings were founded. Large numbers of retired soldiers were settled here in an effort to develop its agricultural potential. Within a few generations ‘Africa Proconsularis’ had established itself as the Empire’s major supplier of grain and olive oil. These commodities, along with slaves, gladiators and exotic animals were shipped to Rome and the Empire through ports that grew in stature and wealth. When Roman influence suddenly fell away, early in the 5th century, many cities were abandoned, and some were not significantly disturbed until recent times, for example the entire cities of Sabratha and Leptis Magna, which sands had concealed for well over a thousand years. The fascination of this area is further enhanced by the Arab and Berber influences and the dramatic landscapes of the Sahara desert and Mediterranean coast.