Libyan sites listed on UNESCO World Heritage in danger menu

931276-01-08_180514_large

The UN’s cultural agency on Thursday added Libya’s five World Heritage sites to its danger list, saying armed militias posed a grave danger to the archaeological treasures.

The sites named by UNESCO include the Old City of Ghadames, often referred to as “the pearl of the desert” and the archaeological site of Cyrene, one of the principal cities in the Hellenic world.

The rock-art sites of Tadrart Acacus on the border with Algeria that feature thousands of cave paintings dating back as far back as 12,000 BC to 100 AD are also listed.

The other two are the coastal archaeological sites of Leptis Magna and Sabratha, a Mediterranean trading post that was once part of the brief Numidian Kingdom of Massinissa before it was taken over the by Romans.

“The committee noted the high level of instability affecting the country and the fact that armed groups are present on these sites or in their immediate surroundings,” UNESCO said at the 40th meeting of its World Heritage Committee in Istanbul.

“It invoked the damage already incurred and the serious threat of further damage to explain the decision,” it said in a statement.

The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include ‘Op-Ed’ in the subject line.
You might also like

Submit a Correction

For: Libyan sites listed on UNESCO World Heritage in danger menu

Your suggestion have been successfully submitted

There was an error while trying to send your request. Please try again.

Libyan Express will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.