Vandalism and Neglect Haunt Libya’s Ancient Heritage Sites

Vandalism and Neglect Haunt Libya’s Ancient Heritage Sites
A general view of the ancient ruins of the Greek and Roman city of Cyrene, in Shahhat, Libya, on Oct. 20, 2018. Esam Omran al-Fetori/Reuters
Reuters
Updated:

SHAHAT, Libya—Graffiti covers the ruins of Cyrene in eastern Libya, a city founded by Greeks more than 2,600 years ago that once attracted tourists but is now neglected and the target of vandals.

Insecurity and looting has hit Libya’s archaeological sites in the chaos and fighting that has followed the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, as rival groups struggle to consolidate control of the country.