Leptis Magna

Leptis Magna is one of the best preserved cities of antiquity. Leptis Magna was founded by the Phoencian merchants around 1st millennium B.C who used it as a trading station and occasional harbour. Leptis rose to its peak of prosperity under the rule of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D Libyan born). This prosperity continued during the rule of the Severan Dynasty until 235 A.D. The assassination of Alexander Severus (222-235 A.D), left the Roman Empire in a state of confusion for some fifty years until the accession of the Emperor Diocletian (284-305 A.D). He and his successor Constantine (307-337 A.D) both worked hard to prevent the collapse of the empire. In 469 A.D the Byzantine Emperor Leo succeeded in crushing the Vandal King Genseric and the great commander Belisarius reclaimed North Africa in 534 A.D for the Byzantine Empire. It remained under their rule until 643-644 A.D where it was ended by the Islamic Arabic conquest.

Sabratha

Sabratha is the most important archaeological site of western Libya after Leptis Magna. Sabratha was selected as an emporium, or trading post by Phoenician merchants for its position 43 km west of Zuwara and 66 km east of Oea. Proof of this settlement is evident through the beaten floors alternating with layers of wind-blown sand under the first permanent houses of Sabratha north of the Forum. The floors indicate makeshift huts with the depths of layered loose sand showing the length of periods during which the site was abandoned. Sabratha as we see it nowadays is first and foremost a creation of the Roman genius for building cities. The Romans shaped it after the destruction of Carthage in 146 B.C. and remained so until the Vandals concerned themselves with the fate of Sabratha in 455 B.C. Carthage was retaken by Count Belisarius in 533 B.C for Justinian thus the Vandal empire was short-lived. Held in the basilica is the celebrated Byzantine mosaic, with the Mausoleum Bes (built of sandstone) dating back to the Punic era. Finally in 642-3 A.D Sabratha was taken by the Arabs which saw the town prosper under them until 748 A.D were the trade moved to Tripoli and the town began slowly to lose its importance and was finally left abandoned.

Tripoli

This city was founded by the Phoenicians in 6BC. It is currently situated under the Ancient city of Tripoli.  Markos Aurelius arch is among the main landmarks of that city, which is considered one of the main antique cities in the Libyan coast. The history of the ancient city is evident with its walls, fortress, market, traditional quarters, old mosque, churches and temples. Around the old city we find an attractive region with modern architecture referred back to the Italian era. In addition to the tourist potentialities in the old city we find Assaray Elhamra museum that contains valuable vestiges having a great historical and tourist importance. It also houses the Islamic museum and halls for the modern art.
In the markets of Tripoli the tourists can obtain many precious items and gifts, as well as traditional masterpieces such as carpets,  garments, metallic objects  such as ornamental engraved copper, metallic trays, multiform jewelry as well as leather products such as bags, shoes and the ornamented potteries.