Temple of Zeus

The Temple of Zeus at Cyrene was the largest Greek temple in Libya and larger than the Parthenon in Athens [1]. Originally built in Doric style around 500-480 BC, it stood on a three-stepped platform measuring 68.3 by 30.4 metres with stonework showing Egyptian craftsmanship [2]. The temple was severely damaged during the Jewish Revolt (Kitos War) of 115 AD, when rebels undermined at least 46 columns by cutting away the platform beneath them [2]. Rebuilt by proconsul Claudius Attalus between 172 and 175 AD under Marcus Aurelius, it was ultimately destroyed by the catastrophic earthquake of 365 AD and never rebuilt [1][2].

TypeTemple complex
Period500 BC - 1 AD
CountryLibya
Coordinates32.8226° N, 21.8628° E

Related resources

More sites in Libya

The Ruins of Cyrene · Shahhat · Apollonia, Cyrenaica · Ptolemais (Cyrenaica) · Al-Mnaykhrat · Lighthouse of Leptis Magna · The Arch of Septimius Severus · Leptis Magna Museum · Khoms

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