Ancient house unearthed in Libya’s Ptolemais

1,700-year-old structure offers new insights into Hellenistic-Roman life, architecture, and resilience

TRIPOLI, Libya  (MNTV) – Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Ptolemais in Libya have uncovered a well-preserved house dating back to the Hellenistic-Roman period.

This marks a major breakthrough in understanding the city’s architectural and social history.

The excavation, led by Polish researchers, resumed after a 13-year hiatus due to civil unrest.

 The structure, believed to be at least 1,700 years old, likely served as the residence of a Roman dignitary, according to project director Professor Przemysław Jaworski.

The house showed evidence of earthquake damage from the third century but was later rebuilt and repurposed.

A key feature of the house is an interior courtyard, flanked by functional spaces such as a kitchen, a staircase leading to the first floor, and a room decorated with a mosaic that had undergone multiple repairs over time.

Piotr Jaworski, the project leader, said in a press release that this finding will help to learn about the past of this Hellenistic-Roman city and the lives of its residents.

The study of Ptolemais is part of broader efforts to document and preserve Libya’s rich historical heritage. 

In an underground cistern, archaeologists also discovered a human-shaped carving on one of the walls, which they believe was created by Libyan artisans.

Ptolemais, once a thriving city in the Cyrenaica region, flourished under Greek and Roman rule.

The latest discovery adds to growing evidence of its resilience through natural disasters and political shifts.

Researchers hope the findings will offer new insights into the region’s role in ancient Mediterranean trade, culture, and governance.

The study is part of ongoing efforts to document and preserve Libya’s rich archaeological heritage, with experts emphasizing the importance of continued research in uncovering the complexities of ancient civilizations.