The recent catastrophic flooding in Derna, Libya, which claimed the lives of thousands, has dealt a blow to the historical ruins of the ancient Greek city of Cyrene. However, amidst the destruction, the floods have also unveiled previously unknown archaeological remains, shedding new light on this historically significant site.
Storm Daniel, a weather anomaly, unleashed an unprecedented deluge of rain, estimated to be up to a meter in some areas of eastern Libya. This extreme weather event was unprecedented in recorded history, with data stretching back to the mid-19th century, as per scientists. Weeks later, water was still flowing through the Cyrene site, a testament to the magnitude of the disaster.
The floodwaters carried mud and debris into Cyrene's ancient Greek-era baths, and the site will require specialized clearing to preserve its historical integrity, warned Adel Boufjra, an official from the local antiquities department. Although the damage thus far has been relatively minor, there is a growing concern that the flooding may have exacerbated subsidence issues that could ultimately threaten one of the city's iconic landmarks.
"I'm pretty sure, and expecting, that one of these landmarks could collapse due to the excessive underground water during the winter," Boufjra cautioned.
While the flooding poses a significant risk to the picturesque ruins of Cyrene, known locally as Shehat and a popular attraction for travelers since the 18th century, it has also uncovered an unexpected archaeological treasure—a Roman-era drainage system.
"The flooding has revealed a new site - a water canal that I believe dates back to the Roman era. It is a distinctive discovery for the city," Boufjra revealed.
Experts from the World Weather Attribution, an international research group, have attributed the extraordinary amount of rainfall during Storm Daniel to climate change, suggesting that up to 50% more rain fell during the storm than would have been expected in the past. This underscores the looming threat posed by climate change to our world's cultural heritage.
Cyrene, once a prominent Greek colony and a principal city in the ancient Hellenic world, flourished as a significant center under Roman rule until it was devastated by an earthquake in the year 365.
The site is one of Libya's five UNESCO World Heritage sites, alongside the extensive Roman ruins overlooking the Mediterranean at Sabratha and Leptis Magna. Cyrene's stone-pillared temples continue to stand on a fertile hillside, surrounded by rocky crags, bearing witness to the rich history of this ancient city.
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