Olbia, Theodorias, Libya Palace
A mosaic panel among fifty panels found in the Eastern Church dating back to the sixth century AD, the period of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.
The town of Qasr Libya is famous for its Byzantine ruins and amazing mosaic floors, as one of its forts stands the test of time, and contains archaeological treasures. Libya opened a museum in the seventies of the last century to display these unique antiques, which are mosaics that are considered one of the greatest artistic and archaeological treasures in the country. The country.
This fort's massive walls and towering circular watchtowers offer a 360-degree view of the Jebel Akhdar region.
This town, which was called the "Qasr of Ancient Libya", "Olpia", or "Theodorias" as it was known in ancient times - is located to the north of the small town of Al-Bayda and about 150 kilometers east of Benghazi.
Head of the Department of Archeology and Tourism at the Faculty of Arts at the University of Benghazi, Dr. Ahmed Saad, talks about this city, saying: This city has been known by different names throughout history. In the fifth century, the city was known as “Olpia,” from which the current name “Libya Palace” is derived. There is evidence that indicates that The city was known as “Theodorias” after the wife of Emperor Justinian, who ruled the Byzantine Empire from 525 to 565 AD and married a woman named “Theodorias.”
The town is famous for its Byzantine monuments and ruins, as the first Byzantine mosaic was discovered in 1957 when a worker found a piece by chance. When the area was subsequently studied by a French professor and a team from the Libyan Antiquities Authority, they found an entire floor of mosaics containing 50 panels, all intact. .
Two churches were identified in the area, the first of which was the eastern church, which was discovered in 1957, and the second was the western church, which was discovered in 1964.
Speaking about the antiquities of this city, Dr. Saad adds, “The most important things found in the Qasr Libya area are the remains of two churches, one of which is called the Western Church, which is a type of Crusader church, which is considered one of the rare churches in the North African region in general. The Western Church is a church that was originally built as a fortress.” .
In 1972, a small archaeological museum was opened near the Western Church, known as the "Byzantine Mosaic Museum".
The small museum displays pieces of mosaics belonging to the Western Church, including a rare mosaic showing the shape of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Floor mosaics are considered among the greatest artistic and archaeological treasures in Libya.
Saad stated that “there are 50 square mosaic panels with dimensions of 65*65 cm, bearing various architectural, mythological, animal, human, geometric and marine themes.”
Excavation experts believe that there are a larger number of churches in the area, but so far they have not been excavated.
A ram is facing towards the left with a long tail and a long neck. Its head is bent down towards a plant growing on the ground. That is, pictures of the ram grazing.
Source: websites