The floods that swept through Derna in eastern Libya last month claimed thousands of lives and damaged the ruins of the historic Greek city of Cyrene located in the nearby mountains, but they also uncovered new archaeological remains that had been buried there, as soil and stones were washed away during the disaster. The city is currently known as "Shahat." The stone-columned temples of Cyrene stand tall on a fertile hill near rocky outcrops and are among five UNESCO World Heritage sites in Libya, alongside the numerous Roman ruins overlooking the Mediterranean in Sabratha and Leptis Magna.
Scientists say that Storm Daniel caused rainfall amounts of about one meter on the hills in eastern Libya, an unprecedented quantity since data collection began in the mid-19th century; water was still flowing through the site when Reuters visited it last week. Adel Boufghara, a monitor at the Shahat Antiquities Department, noted that water had caused mud and debris to accumulate in the baths area dating back to the Greek era, which requires the effort of specialized teams to remove. He warned that while the damage is minor so far, the flooding could worsen soil subsidence that might later lead to the collapse of a monument. "We expect that one of these monuments will collapse due to the water," he stated.
Boufghara further explained that although this threatens to cause severe damage to the stunning antiquities in Shahat, which have been a tourist attraction since the 18th century, the floodwaters also revealed a previously unknown Roman drainage system. "The city of Shahat was subjected to a severe storm, and the flood swept away a new location, unveiling a water channel that I believe dates back to the Roman period. It is a remarkable discovery for the city. We consider it a value for the city's survival and for its inscription on the UNESCO list, which will enhance its exceptional value," he said.
Scientists at World Weather Attribution, an international research group, indicated that climate change had contributed to an increase in rainfall by up to 50% during the storm, highlighting future risks threatening heritage sites. Cyrene was a Greek colony and one of the major centers of the ancient Hellenistic world before becoming a significant hub under Roman rule until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 365 AD.
