Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient Greek racecourse (hippodrome) in the historic city of Apollonia, along Libya’s eastern coast. The French Archaeological Mission in Libya announced the discovery on Thursday, alongside a newly identified theater overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and several sacred complexes.
Vincent Michel, director of the French mission, called the ancient Greek racecourse in Apollonia an exceptional scientific find. He said that the structure is one of a kind, with no similar site known anywhere else in the Cyrenaica region or across the wider Mediterranean.
Michel said that the discovery could change how historians understand Apollonia’s past. It may also reshape views of the city’s role in the broader ancient Mediterranean world.
Officials gather in Sousse to mark the Apollonia discovery
The announcement took place in Sousse, the modern city that sits near the ancient ruins. Libyan antiquities officials attended, including Mohamed Fakroun and Ahmed Issa from the Department of Antiquities.
Nasser Al-Harari represented the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Adel Bufajra, who oversees antiquities monitoring in Shahat, also took part, along with local officials Talal Al-Waeri, Abdel Salam Al-Fazzani, and Miftah Abrik Akuinin.
Scouts from Sousse were present too. Organizers said that their attendance showed how the city’s younger generation stays connected to its history. French archaeologist Jean Sylvain Caillou joined Michel at the event.
Apollonia’s ancient Greek legacy behind the rediscovered racecourse
Apollonia once served as the port of Cyrene, an ancient Greek colony founded in the seventh century B.C. by settlers from the island of Thera, now known as Santorini.
The city grew into a major Mediterranean trading center. It flourished during the Greek and Roman periods, with temples, public buildings, a theater, a harbor, and sports facilities.
The French mission has studied Greek and Roman remains at Apollonia for years. Michel has led the mission since 2011.
Officials said that the discoveries strengthen Apollonia’s standing as one of Libya’s most important archaeological sites. Full scientific details are expected to be released soon.
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