Libya's Cultural Heritage: Shahat (Cyrene)

Shahat is one of the most beautiful cities in Libya in terms of history and civilization, and it is considered among the top ten most beautiful cities in the Middle East and the Arab world.

The city of Shahat is located within the Green Mountain (Jebel Akhdar) region and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.

The city was founded in 640 BCE.

The first ruler was named Batus, who governed Shahat (Cyrene) for 40 years.

The city witnessed its peak of prosperity through commercial and agricultural activities in the 4th century BCE.

Several empires ruled Shahat over time: from the Greek republics in 414 BCE, to Alexander the Great and Greek rulers in 332 BCE, to Roman rule in 96 BCE, and then the Islamic conquest in 642 CE.

The name Cyrene (Shahat) originated due to the scarcity of water springs; it was originally known as "the scarce springs," which was shortened to "Shahat."

Wars broke out between the Romans and Greeks in 96 BCE, resulting in Roman victory. However, the fiercest wars occurred between the Jews (who were brought by the Greek rulers as servants to the Greeks) and the Romans in 115 CE, lasting several years.🇱🇾❤️💚🌻