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History–Tours
193AD 193–211 · Leptis Magna, Al-Khums

Leptis Magna, home city of Emperor Septimius Severus

The four-sided Arch of Septimius Severus at Leptis Magna, with ruined colonnades behind
Photo: Aymen Aiblu. CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Leptis Magna began as a Phoenician and Punic trading post and became one of the richest cities of Roman Africa. Septimius Severus, born here in 145, became emperor in 193 and gave his home town a new forum, basilica, harbour and a four-way triumphal arch. Abandoned after the 7th century and buried by sand, it survives as one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean.

Travel advisory. The UK advises against all but essential travel to Tripoli and Misrata and against all travel to most of Libya (July 2026). Leptis Magna is on UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger. We list this event for reference, and don't list guides here until travel is possible again.

Sites

  1. Site 1: Leptis Magna archaeological siteSeveran forum and basilica, Hadrianic baths, theatre, market and the silted harbour.Map ↗
  2. Site 2: Arch of Septimius SeverusFour-way triumphal arch rebuilt with copies and originals of its carved panels.Map ↗

More from the Ancient World

Read more: reference. Summary written by History-Tours.com.