Notes

Now in the grounds of the Lepcis Museum: see (ANSAmed) - TRIPOLI, FEBRUARY 17 - The Gasr Duirat Mausoleum in Leptis Magna, the last remaining evidence of the ancient civilisations that once inhabited Northern Africa, has been entirely rebuilt thanks to the efforts of the Libyan-French archaeological cooperation. The Roman Mausoleum which dates back to the III century AD was completely rebuilt in the courtyard of the Museum of Leptis Magna, an ancient Roman city about 130km from Tripoli in Libya. It is the latest archeological attraction in a country rich in ruins that have yet to be opened to the public. The Mausoleum, discovered 2km southwest of Lepis Magna, is a type of tomb typical in ancient Arabia which spread throughout Asia Minor and Northern Africa from the 4th century AD. Above the foundations is a square burial chamber with a rounded column decorations with Corinthian capitals. The Mausoleum presents a mix of styles that tells the story of the Punic, Roman and Libyan civilisations. Similar Mausoleums are present in Libya and Tunisia, but Leptis Magna distinguishes itself from the others with its rich decorations. Ruined by ancient earthquakes, restoration has been carried out by the archaeological cooperation between the Libyan Department of Archaeology with director Juma Anag, and the French Archaeological Mission, with André Laronde, and the support of the Vinci society of France. (ANSAmed). 2009-02-17 15:50 http://www.ansamed.info/en/news/ME09.@AM54845.html