GRECIAN ARCHITECTURE.

In 631 BCE the Greeks extended their empire to include Libya, founding Cyrenaica as a Greek settlement from the island of Thera (modern day Santorini) The Greeks brought with them their architectural influences. The most defining features of Greek architecture are exhibited in the archeological sites of ancient Cyrene, which became the principal city of Libya during the Greek period. Cyrene had strong commercial relations with all the Greek cities, reaching the pinnacle of its wealth and trading under its own kings in the 5th century BC.

Cyrene, Cyrenaica, Libya

Cyrene, Cyrenaica, Libya

cyrene

Cyrene, Temple of Apollo

Cyrene, Temple of Apollo

The ruins of the archaeological site of Cyrene present thousands of years of history. Famous examples of Greek architecture at the site include the temple of Apollo built in the 7th century BC.

Cyrene, The Necropolis

Cyrene, The Necropolis

Other structures include a temple to Demeter, and the partially excavated temple of Zeus built in the 6th century BC.

Cyrene, Temple of Zeus

Cyrene, Temple of Zeus

This temple was destroyed and rebuilt on numerous occasions. It was destroyed after the Jewish revolt in 115 AD and rebuilt in the 2nd century AD. However, earthquakes in the 4th century AD caused significant damage to the temple again.

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Roman Architecture