Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient building with painted interior walls and frescoes near Benghazi in eastern Libya. The structure may have once stood two stories high, but researchers have yet to establish its age or original purpose.
The discovery took place at Shatt al-Badin, where a team led by antiquities inspector Hani al-Abdali removed soil and debris from the site. The work exposed parts of the building, including walls decorated with fresco paintings. The Benghazi Antiquities Office announced the findings following the preliminary investigation.
Archaeologists plan further investigation
Sida al-Sarawi, director of archaeology at the Benghazi Antiquities Office, said the building’s size and design require further study. A team of specialists is expected to examine the remains to determine when the structure was built, how it was used, and whether it changed over time.
Archaeological researcher Khaled Muammar al-Breiki described the discovery as unusual for the area. He said it could provide new information about the region’s history.
Discovery highlights Libya’s Greek and Roman heritage
The building lies in Cyrenaica (Greek: Κυρηναϊκή), a region of eastern Libya known for its ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine history. Ancient Greek settlers established several cities in the region, leaving a lasting mark on its culture and architecture. Modern Benghazi occupies an area associated with the ancient settlements of Euesperides and Berenice. These cities formed part of a wider Mediterranean network shaped by trade, farming and political change.
Farther east lies Cyrene, one of the most important ancient Greek cities in North Africa. The city later came under Roman rule. Archaeologists have also made significant discoveries at the ancient Greek city of Ptolemais (Greek: Πτολεμαΐς), including a water collection system and a well-preserved residence.
Wall paintings were common in Greek and Roman buildings, including homes, temples and public spaces. However, the paintings found at Shatt al-Badin do not confirm that the structure belongs to either period. Researchers must examine its construction methods, decorative materials and surrounding archaeological layers before establishing its origins.
Limited resources slow archaeological work in Libya
The discovery also highlights the challenges facing archaeologists in Libya, where limited funding and equipment continue to restrict research. Al-Abdali said a shortage of resources has prevented his team from expanding excavations and conducting a full survey of the Shatt al-Badin site. Similar concerns affect other archaeological areas near Benghazi. Archaeologists have been working to protect ancient Greek ruins at Cyrene and Apollonia, where conflict, looting, and storm damage have threatened historic structures.
A study published in 2025 documented 30 archaeological sites in the Lefakat region, south of Benghazi. Most date to the Roman or late antique periods. Researchers found that urban expansion, vegetation growth, looting, and waste dumping threatened the sites. None of the 30 locations surveyed was considered to be in good condition.
In other parts of Libya, conservation teams have taken steps to protect fragile remains. At Sabratha, researchers reburied ancient Roman bath mosaics to prevent further damage. Despite these challenges, local cooperation has helped protect the newly discovered building. The Benghazi Antiquities Office thanked families who use the land at Shatt al-Badin for supporting archaeological work and helping preserve the exposed remains. Further investigation could reveal more about the building’s history and its place in the ancient settlements of eastern Libya.
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