Syrtica, Sabratha
Augustus 27 BCE – 14 CE
AE 15.69g 30mm
Laureate head of Baal-Melqart right “MNSY” below and “SBRTN’N” to left, both in Neo-Punic.
Head of Augustus right “CAESAR” to left, lituus to right, all within a wreath.
RPC 813
Sabratha was an ancient city in the western part of today’s Libya, and significant ruins remain of the site. The theater in particular is impressive.
The city was initially established as a Phoenician trading post for products from inland. It soon came under the influence of Carthage. After their defeat, it became part of the Numidian kingdom before being annexed by Rome.
During the time of Septimius Severus, who was born in nearby Leptis Magna, the city reached its peak.
186 CE
Commodus dedicates a temple in Sabratha honoring Marcus Aurelius and Hercules
365 CE
A tsunami destroys large parts of Leptis Magna and Sabratha