Cyrenaica Archaeological Project

Mission
Project History
Setting
Extramural Sanctuary

Research
Restoration
Capacity Building

Google Earth
Publications

Research

Collaborative Projects

On ground examination of the situation in Cyrene was conducted in June 2006 by CAP team members from the University of Birmingham, UK and the University of Alberta, Canada in collaboration with the regional Department of Antiquities in Shahat and Omar al Mukhtar University, al Beida, Libya. (see their 2006 Report).

In 2007 the Birmingham team undertook a series of projects: 3D laser scanning and panoramic photography took place at the Wadi Bel Gadir sanctuary, King Battus I street, the Odeum/Bouleterion west of the Caesareum/Roman Forum, the Roman Forum and Basilica, and the University of Chieti tomb excavation at Ain Hofra. A magnetometry survey took place on the acropolis, areas to the north of the agora and Roman forum, an area north of the Temple of Zeus and in the vicinity of the Roman cisterns to the east of the city. A brief geoarchaeological survey of Cyrene and its wadis and hinterland was also undertaken to assess the potential of the sediments to provide detailed information relating to Cyrene's development. (see their 2007 Report).

Cyrene Thefts

In late 1999 or early in 2000, fifteen stone heads were stolen from the storerooms of the former University of Pennsylvania Expedition to Cyrene. All had been excavated by the University Museum from the Extramural Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone between 1969 and 1981. The sculptures were apparently smuggled into Egypt.

The Cyrenaica Archaeological Project created (www.cyrenethefts.org), a web site to report the theft and to assist in the recovery of the heads. Three of the heads were ultimately recovered and returned to Libya. The project now maintains an archival version of Cyrene Thefts