Floods in Libya reveal ruins dating back to the Greek era in Derna
Weather of Arabia - The floods that struck Derna in eastern Libya last month resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, and also destroyed the ruins of the historical Greek city of Cyrene located in the village of Cyrene. However, this disaster also revealed new ruins that were hidden there, after the soil and stones were washed away during The disaster.
Monuments dating back to the Greek and Roman era in Derna
The water revealed a previously unknown Roman drainage system . The city of Shehat suffered a violent storm, and torrents washed away many sites. Which revealed to us a new site that includes water canals believed to date back to Roman times. This discovery is considered a distinctive addition to the city, and is also considered an additional value to its survival and distinction, and will enhance its position on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It is worth noting that the Cyrene temples stand on a fertile hill near rocky rocks that are distinguished by tall stone columns, and they are part of five World Heritage sites in Libya according to the classification of the United Nations (UNESCO). These temples are part of the abundant Roman ruins that overlook the sea. The average in Sabratha and Leptis Magna.
Impact of climate change on monuments
Before that, Cyrene was a Greek settlement and one of the major cities of the ancient Hellenic world, and later became a major center under Roman rule, until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 365 AD.
Scientists from the international research group World Weather Assessment reported that climate change led to an increase of up to 50 percent in rainfall during the storm, highlighting future challenges threatening heritage.
Storm Daniel caused rain of about one meter on the hills in eastern Libya, a level not previously recorded since the mid-nineteenth century, and Reuters noted that water was still flowing through the site when it visited it last week.
The observer at the Shahat Antiquities Department, Adel Boufgra , explained that the water led to the accumulation of mud and rubble in the Hammamet area, which dates back to the Greek era, which requires effort and specialized teams to remove them.
He warned that although the damage has been minor so far, the floods have increased the situation of landslides that could later lead to the collapse of one of the monuments. Bou Fajra explained that this poses a threat to the magnificent ruins in Shahat, which has been a tourist attraction since The eighteenth century, he noted:
“We expect that one of these landmarks will collapse due to water.”
Also know:
In pictures | It is not the first time. The Derna Valley has a history full of disasters
Was climate change the reason behind the floods in Libya?
Sources:
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