The Mediterranean Libyan city of Ptolemais continues to reveal fantastic secrets about its glorious Hellenistic and Roman past. Founded during either the 4th or 3rd century BCE by the Ptolemaic dynasty, it went on to prosper for almost a millennium until its abandonment after the Arab invasion in the 7th century CE. Several stunning discoveries have been unearthed in excavations recently led by Polish archaeologists from Warsaw University, including a sophisticated water system and an enigmatic face carved in hydraulic mortar.

The mask found in the ancient city of Ptolemais. Credit: Anna Tomkowska / University of Warsaw

Founded as a port city for the inland settlement of Barca, Ptolemais was thriving under the Ptolemies, expanding to become an important urban center under the Romans. From the late 3rd century CE onward, it held the rank of a provincial capital in Libya Superior, a status established by the administrative reforms of Emperor Diocletian. Its status was based on an impregnable location supported by marvelous works of engineering; it had, of course, been persistently beset throughout those centuries, suffering several natural disasters and the eventual Arab conquest.

Excavations started in 2001 under Professor Tomasz Mikocki but were stopped in 2010 because of the civil war in Libya. In 2023, the researchers came back after years to reᴀssume this work, using far more sophisticated, non-invasive methods such as 3D mapping and orthopH๏τographic surveys.

During the summer of 2024, archaeologists found the remains of a residence belonging to one of the locals who was a person of significant rank. The house had been built around a small peristyle court lined by rooms serving purposes like the kitchen, staircase, and a chamber with a mosaic. The mosaic, though several times repaired, testifies to the importance of this house. Stone containers near the entrance may indicate a public function—perhaps as a place where taxes or tribute were stored during the late Roman period.

Excavation and conservation of the ruins of a house in Ptolemais. Credit: Piotr Jaworski / University of Warsaw

The most remarkable feature of the house was a sophisticated water management system, where rain falling into the impluvium of the central pool in the peristyle was directed into two underground cisterns. This evidence highlights the resourceful engineering skills of the citizens of Ptolemais. The house sustained serious damage in the earthquakes at the end of the 3rd century CE but was later rebuilt to serve various functions according to changing needs.

One of the most interesting discoveries was a human face carved into hydraulic mortar on the wall of one cistern. Lacking any distinctive features, the face served only to spark the imagination of the archaeologists. Dr. Piotr Jaworski, head of the Polish Archaeological Mission to Ptolemais, drew parallels with the carvings in the Libyan sanctuary in Slonta south of Cyrene. “It cannot be ruled out that the house’s owner, or at least those involved in creating the image, were of Libyan origin. Epigraphic evidence indicates that from at least the 1st century BCE, Libyan elites, who quickly ᴀssimilated, were granted citizenship in Greek cities of Cyrenaica. However, he noted that this remains speculative.”

In December 2024, the team shifted their attention to Ptolemais’ acropolis, a fortified hill with strategic advantages that contains an ᴀssortment of buildings. The acropolis rises 285 meters above sea level and is surrounded by robust fortification walls, defensive towers, and an independent water supply system comprising wells and cisterns. A theater on the northern slope and a hippodrome at the foot further stress the multifunctionality of the area.

Project leader Dr. Szymon Lenarczyk emphasized the significance of these preliminary surveys: “Our orthopH๏τomap of the Ptolemais acropolis reveals numerous architectural structures that are not necessarily part of its defense system.” These structures will be studied during future seasons to determine whether they served residential, religious, or other purposes.

More information: University of Warsaw / Nauka w Polsce Service