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The city of Sabrata is located on the Mediterranean coast, one hour drive west of Tripoli . It was founded by the Canaanites in the 6th century B.C
As was the case with other cities of Tripolis, Sabratha was under the domination of Carthage, the main Phoenician settlement in Tunisia till 146 B.C.
After the Canaanite (Phoenicians) in Carthage were defeated, Sabratha was occupied by the Nomidians and then by the Romans in 46 B.C.The public arenas, the Temples of Liber Pater, Sirapis, Isis and Hercules, the forum, the theatre, the tribunal arena, and the public baths are considered among the most prominent features of the city during Roman times. Remains of the earliest Phoenician settlements have been found beneath the Roman town in the area between the forum and the sea.
Sabratha prospered during the third century A.D., and became famous as trading place for the ivory coming from central Africa, through Ghadames and Fezzan.
The city was abandoned after its destruction by the Vandals who invaded North Africa from Europe.
In the year 533 A.D. the Byzantines occupied the city and rebuilt much of it. An outer wall was built around the perimeter, as well as famous of which being the church of Justinian with its fine decorated mosaic floors.
Sabratha lost its importance with the advent of Islam in the region ( 642 A.D), and Tripoli became the most important trade center in western Libya.
