Archaeologists have uncovered remarkable findings in the ancient Greek city of Ptolemais (Greek: Πτολεμαΐς), located along Libya’s northeastern coast. The discoveries include a sophisticated water collection system, a mysterious human-face mask, and a well-preserved residence believed to belong to a high-ranking individual.
Ptolemais, founded by the Ptolemaic dynasty in the 3rd century B.C., was a major cultural and religious center in Cyrenaica until its decline following the Arab conquest in the 7th century A.D. The city has drawn the attention of researchers for its historical complexity and preserved urban structures.
Return after a long hiatus
After a 13-year hiatus caused by the Libyan civil war, archaeologists from the University of Warsaw returned to the site in 2023. The research season focused on studying urban structures, and the results have been described as both unexpected and fascinating.
In June 2024, excavations revealed part of a residential complex dating back to the late 2nd or early 3rd century A.D. According to Dr. Piotr Jaworski, head of the Polish Archaeological Mission to Ptolemais, the residence featured a small peristyle courtyard surrounded by a kitchen, staircase, and a room adorned with a mosaic floor.
At the center of the home was an advanced rainwater collection system. The system included an impluvium, or courtyard pool, that gathered rainwater and directed it into two underground cisterns.
Despite suffering damage from earthquakes in the 3rd century, the house was rebuilt during the late Roman period. Researchers identified three stone containers near the entrance, which they believe were used for collecting taxes or offerings, further underscoring the house’s significance.
The mystery of the mask
One of the most intriguing finds was a human-face mask carved in hydraulic mortar. Found inside a cistern, the mask’s purpose remains unclear, and its lack of identifiable features has led to varied interpretations.
To najciekawsze odkrycie z wykopalisk czerwcowych w Ptolemais. Męska głowa wyrzeźbiona na ścianie cysterny na wodę w podziemiach willi, którą kopaliśmy. Co to jest? Kiedy powstało i po co? To są pytania na które narazie nie zaznamy odpowiedzi.
Więcej w dzisiejszej @Polityka_pl pic.twitter.com/oLotnzW75w
— Arkadiusz Hapka (@ArkadiuszHapka) August 21, 2024
Archaeologists noted its resemblance to carvings found in Libyan sanctuaries, suggesting possible local connections or influences. Jaworski said that it’s possible the owner of the house or its creators were of Libyan origin, but this remains speculative.
A glimpse into the past
Ptolemais was a significant center of Hellenistic culture and urban development. It served as a vital link between the Greek world and the rich resources of North Africa. The city was named after Ptolemy III Euergetes, reflecting the dynasty’s influence in spreading Greek culture and governance beyond the Mediterranean.
Ptolemais was designed with typical Greek urban planning, featuring a grid layout, agora (marketplace), and public spaces, but it also adapted local elements, blending Hellenistic and North African traditions.
As part of the Greek-speaking world, the city became a hub for trade, religion, and culture, thriving for centuries under Greek and later Roman rule. Its cultural and religious significance is highlighted by its temples, mosaics, and inscriptions that show the lasting imprint of ancient Greek and Roman civilization in the region.
The discoveries highlight the ingenuity of Ptolemais’s ancient inhabitants. The residence not only demonstrates advanced engineering but also offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the city’s elite.
Researchers are now turning their attention to the city’s acropolis, where they hope to uncover more secrets about the function of structures and the lives of the people who lived there. Ptolemais, with its layered history and preserved artifacts, remains a rich site for uncovering the stories of ancient Mediterranean civilizations.