Excavations at Sabratha, 1948–1951: the small finds

A significant reassembly of small finds from the 1948–1951 excavations at Sabratha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Libya, has revealed unique artefacts that provide rare insights into Roman material culture in North Africa. The study, led by Allason-Jones and Greep (2023), analyzed objects made of silver, copper alloy, iron, lead, glass, semiprecious stones, clay, and stone, many of which are the first documented in Roman Libya. By contextualizing these finds within the broader Roman Empire, researchers identified regional variations while highlighting Sabratha's role as a key cultural hub. The research relied on meticulous reassembly of previously scattered artefacts, offering new perspectives on craftsmanship, trade, and daily life during the Roman period.

Allason-Jones, L., & Greep, S. (2023). Excavations at Sabratha, 1948–1951: the small finds. Libyan Studies, 54, 76–98. https://doi.org/10.1017/lis.2023.3