3 April 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

From Destruction to Discovery: Ancient Greek Tombstone Discovered in Libya After Storm ‘Daniel’

The Libyan Antiquities Authority has officially confirmed that an ancient artifact uncovered in the torrents caused by Storm “Daniel” in the city of Shahat is a Greek tombstone made of limestone, located in the northern cemetery area.

In the wake of Storm “Daniel,” which struck Libya in September 2023, significant archaeological discoveries have come to light. Reports indicate that the flooding caused by the storm has revealed several ancient artifacts, particularly in the cities of Shahat and Derna.

One notable discovery was a Greek tombstone found in Shahat, as confirmed by the Libyan Antiquities Authority. According to their official statement, the tombstone, made of limestone, was uncovered in the northern cemetery area as a result of the torrents created by the storm. The Authority emphasized the importance of this find, stating that it sheds light on the region’s rich historical past.

The Authority explained via its Facebook page that after news spread on social media about the appearance of this piece, a work team was formed. An excavation and rescue operation began, and the inscription was transferred directly, which is a Greek tombstone on limestone, indicating that it decided to continue working at the same site to complete the work and publish the results immediately after completion.

Credit: Libyan Antiquities Authority

Shahat, historically known as “Cyrene,” is an ancient city located on the eastern coast of Libya. Founded in the 7th century BC as a Greek colony, Cyrene eventually became an important cultural and commercial center. The city is renowned for producing significant figures in philosophy, science, and the arts.

Cyrene is considered one of the most important Greek cities of antiquity and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its impressive ruins, which include temples, theaters, stadiums, and cemeteries. Notably, the Temple of Apollo is recognized as one of the largest temples of the ancient world.

The city also thrived during the Roman period, experiencing considerable wealth and structural development. The ancient remains reflect the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

In light of this discovery, the Authority has urged citizens to refrain from sharing information on social media without first consulting the relevant authorities and obtaining the necessary permissions. This precaution is essential for protecting the integrity of archaeological findings and serves the public interest.

Libyan Antiquities Authority

Cover Image Credit: Libyan Antiquities Authority

Related Articles

A new study provides evidence that modern humans, coexisted in the same region with Neanderthals for thousands of years

11 February 2024

11 February 2024

A genetic analysis of bone fragments excavated from an archaeological site in Ranis, Germany provides conclusive evidence that modern humans...

Archaeologists uncovered a Roman settlement and what is thought to be an extremely rare early Medieval longhouse in North East Wales

16 August 2024

16 August 2024

The team from the University of Chester, Heneb: the Trust for Welsh Archaeology (Clwyd-Powys region), and the Portable Antiquities Scheme...

Farmer Found Sarcophagus of Hellenistic Period in his Field

9 April 2021

9 April 2021

The citizen named E. G. in Akçakoca, Taşkuyucak District of Gölmarmara district of Manisa (Turkey), while plowing his field, thought...

The exciting discovery of a 4000-year-old stone box grave in western Norway

10 November 2023

10 November 2023

Archaeologists report an extremely important 4,000-year-old stone box grave has been unearthed in Western Norway, describing it as the most...

400-year historical document confirms the martyrdom of Japanese Christians

27 February 2021

27 February 2021

In Japan, the suppression of Christianity increased from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 17th...

The Highest Prehistoric Petroglyphs in Europe Discovered at 3000 Meters in the Italian Alps

20 November 2024

20 November 2024

The highest petroglyphs in Europe were found at Pizzo Tresero (Valfurva) in the Stelvio National Park in the northern Italian...

An opulent 2,000-year-old ‘city hall’ has been discovered near the Western Wall in Israel

8 July 2021

8 July 2021

An important 2,000-year-old public building has been unearthed near the wailing wall in Israel. Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority...

3,000-year-old Drill Bit Workshop Unearthed in Vietnam’s

13 May 2021

13 May 2021

According to the provincial museum, an ancient drill bit workshop dating back more than 3,000 years has been discovered at...

A gilded silver Anglo-Saxon object “made by someone with a real eye for loveliness” has the experts baffled

2 January 2024

2 January 2024

An enigmatic Anglo-Saxon object has been unearthed in a captivating discovery near Langham, Norfolk, East of England. This gilded silver...

3D virtual reconstruction of the Celtic city gate

2 May 2022

2 May 2022

A new 3D virtual reconstruction of the Celtic gate has been made in Staffelberg, in the German state of Bavaria....

Ming-era two shipwrecks found in South China Sea

23 May 2023

23 May 2023

In the South China Sea, two ancient shipwrecks that date back to the middle of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) were...

Unique work of Minoan art, the Pylos Combat Agate must be the David of the Prehistoric era

21 November 2021

21 November 2021

Found in a Greek tomb dating back 3,500 years, the artifact is so well designed that it looks as lively...

3700 years old Brain and skin remnants discovered at Bronze Age settlement in western Türkiye

5 September 2023

5 September 2023

Archaeologists discovered, well-preserved brain and skin remnants of two individuals dating to the Bronze Age during excavations at Tavşanlı Höyük...

Over 4 feet long sword found in a medieval grave in Sweden

29 December 2023

29 December 2023

An unusual and exciting discovery was made during archaeological research at Lilla Torg in the port city of Halmstad on...

The Only Known Roman Brewery, Discovered in Central Italy

6 July 2024

6 July 2024

Archaeologists from the University of Macerata have discovered the only brewery from the Roman era found to date on the...