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Cyrenaica (Cyrene) |
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The story' of the founding of Cyrene as a colon of Greek immigrants from the island of Thera (modern Santorin) had been handed down as a mixture of legend and historical tradition. The date usually assigned to this event is 631 B.C., and there can be little doubt that this is approximately correct. It seems that towards the middle of the seventh century B.C. an event caused a crisis due to over population which arose in the small Aegean island plus a seven-year period of drought giving rise to distress that forced emigration. It seemed the only solution. But before deciding on so drastic a step, the leaders of the community consulted the famed Oracle of Apollo at Delphi, and were told to found a colony in Libya against the consent of the natives of the region. This was in the Gulf of Bomba. The city of Cyrene (Shahat) is situated on the remains of the ancient city of "Kurena", 621 meters above sea-level. The site is rich in archaeological mon uments, for the city was once next only to Athens in historical importance. Pindar, the ancient Greek poet, described it in one of his odes as ''the city built on a gold crown". |
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Ancient Cyrene as it has been previously mentioned was founded in 631 A. D. by Greek immigrants from the island of Thera. The city gradually developed in to a Kingdom noted for its love of science and philosophy. Famous among the philosophers of Cyrene were Callimachus, Carneader and Aristippus. The Kingdom of Cyrene reached its grandeur about 400 B.C.
During its settlement, the city waged war on two fronts, one war was launched against the Libyans, the owners of the country, while the other war was pointed against Carthage. However, the two wars ended in reconciliation and peace among the belligerents. In the fourth century. Cyrene acknowledged the reign of the Ptolemais, the successors of Alexander the Great, and later on the region of the Roman Empire.
The Jewish Rebellion in Cyrene
During the reign of Emperor Tarjan in (115-116) A.D. an extensive Jewish rebellion broke out in Cyrene. It was cruelly quelled and most of the public buildings were destroyed, resulting the decline of life in the entire city. Cvrenaica was then in a sorry state after the quelling of this uprising. Both cities were half-destroyed by the revolt.
The Emperor Justinian (A.D. 527-565 ) was active in city restoration throughout his shaky-realm.He then ordered the repair of the aqueduct of Ptolemais, a measure which brought some small gasp of life back to that city; and at Berenice new public baths were constructed. Special care was equally devoted to the fortifications of the towns, and fortresses in the outlying areas, including Antipyrgos (Tobruk) and Boreurm (near Minaa Brega in the Syrtic region).
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While Heraclius was employing all available man-power against the Persians, the Arabs, armred with the enthusiasm of a new Faith (lslam), were soon to sweep through the Levant and North Africa under lie Leadership of Amor lbn Al-As in 642-643 AD. (as it has been cited in the previous pages).
When the Arab Muslim Leader, Omor lbn Al-As, moved westwards into Libya, the Byzantine governor of the Pentapolis with his field army and officials retreated in order that they might escape by sea Amor Ibn Al- As, had, therefore, to deal only with the native population whose main center was Barca. (Cyrenaica). Briefly, the town and the characteristic of the land encouraged the Arab Muslims to build up "Barca" as a springboard for their future campaigns in the Magherb (North Africa). One of the governors sent to take up residence in the city Was a companion of the Prophet, Rawevfi ben Thabit, who died there in (663) and was buried in the Great Mosque of Barca. His later tomb is at "Sidi Rafa" near El-Beida City, westward of Benghazi. |
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Cyrene Photo's |
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