Ancient Discoveries in Ptolemais: Advanced Water Systems and a Mysterious Carving!
The ancient Mediterranean city of Ptolemais, nestled in modern-day Libya, continues to unveil remarkable insights into its Hellenistic and Roman heritage. Established during the 4th or 3rd century BCE by the Ptolemaic dynasty, the city thrived for nearly a millennium before being abandoned following the Arab invasion in the 7th century CE. Recent excavations, led by archaeologists from Warsaw University, have uncovered fascinating finds, including an intricate water system and a mysterious face carved into hydraulic mortar.
Ptolemais: From Port City to Provincial Capital
Originally founded as a port for the inland settlement of Barca, Ptolemais flourished under Ptolemaic rule and later became a key urban hub during Roman times. By the late 3rd century CE, it had risen to the status of a provincial capital in Libya Superior, a rank granted through the reforms of Emperor Diocletian. This prominence was supported by the city’s strategic location and impressive engineering feats.
Over the centuries, Ptolemais endured numerous challenges, including natural disasters and military conflicts, culminating in its decline after the Arab conquest.
Photo Credit: Anna Tomkowska / University of Warsaw
Excavations began in 2001 under Professor Tomasz Mikocki, but progress was halted in 2010 due to Libya’s civil war. After a long hiatus, the team resumed work in 2023, using modern techniques such as 3D mapping and orthophotographic surveys to gain new insights into the city’s history.
During the summer of 2024, archaeologists uncovered the remains of a once-impressive residence, likely belonging to a person of high status. Built around a small peristyle courtyard, the house included functional spaces like a kitchen, staircase, and a room adorned with a mosaic. Despite being repaired multiple times, the mosaic hinted at the owner’s wealth and influence. Nearby stone containers suggested that the house may have served a public purpose, possibly as a storage site for taxes or tributes during the late Roman period.
Ingenious Water Management
The most extraordinary feature of this residence was its sophisticated water management system. Rainwater collected in a central pool (known as an impluvium) was channelled into two underground cisterns, demonstrating the engineering ingenuity of Ptolemais’ inhabitants. Although the house suffered significant damage during 3rd-century earthquakes, it was later rebuilt and adapted for new uses.
Photo Credit: Piotr Jaworski / University of Warsaw
The Enigmatic Face
One of the most intriguing finds was a human face carved into hydraulic mortar on the wall of one of the cisterns. With its lack of distinct features, the carving has left archaeologists pondering its purpose. Dr Piotr Jaworski, head of the Polish Archaeological Mission to Ptolemais, noted similarities between this face and carvings found in the Libyan sanctuary at Slonta, south of Cyrene. He speculated that the house’s owner or the creators of the carving could have been of Libyan descent, referencing evidence of Libyan elites assimilating into Greek cities from the 1st century BCE. However, this theory remains unconfirmed.
Exploring the Acropolis
In December 2024, attention shifted to Ptolemais’ acropolis, a fortified hill that rises 285 metres above sea level. This area, with its strategic location and robust fortifications, held a mix of structures, including defensive walls, towers, wells, and cisterns. A theatre on the northern slope and a hippodrome at the base underscored the acropolis’ multifunctional role in city life.
Dr Szymon Lenarczyk, the project leader, highlighted the importance of preliminary surveys: “Our orthophotomap of the Ptolemais acropolis reveals numerous architectural structures that are not necessarily part of its defence system.” Future research will aim to determine whether these buildings served residential, religious, or other purposes.
The discoveries at Ptolemais offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and ingenuity of its ancient inhabitants. From the advanced water systems to the enigmatic carvings, each find adds a new chapter to the story of this once-thriving city. As excavations continue, we eagerly anticipate the secrets yet to be revealed.