Extramural rock-cut sanctuaries in the territory of Cyrene

Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cyrene has uncovered a unique high-relief statue of Dionysus, one of the best-preserved examples from the Greek world, within an extramural rock-cut sanctuary in the Baggara area. This discovery highlights the cultural and ritual hybridisation between Greco-Roman and Libyan traditions, with varying degrees of influence observed based on proximity to Cyrene. The study employed systematic mapping, non-invasive geo-prospecting, laser scanning, and excavations, recording data in a multilayer GIS. Excavations targeted areas at high risk of damage or looting, providing stratigraphic insights. These sanctuaries, often located near water springs and associated with chthonian cults, exhibit architectural features that reflect reciprocal cultural exchanges, offering new perspectives on the region's complex historical interactions.

Menozzi, O. (2015). Extramural rock-cut sanctuaries in the territory of Cyrene. Libyan Studies, 46, 57–74. https://doi.org/10.1017/lis.2015.3