The Prominent Commercial Centers in Ancient Libya

Document Type : Academic research papers

Authors

1 History Department - Faculty of Women - Ain- Shams University - Cairo.

2 Professor of History Department-Faculty of Women for Arts, Science & Education-Ain Shams University - Egypt

3 Histort Dep. Faculty of Women. Ain Shams Uni.

Abstract

Libya has been a significant stage for important historical and economic developments in the ancient world. It represented a link between the ancient Maghreb and the northern shores (Europe), the East and the West, as well as coastal Africa and Sudan, thanks to its strategic geographic location, long coastline, and the Sahara Desert. In ancient times, many commercial centers emerged across Libya, particularly, in its coastal cities, which were famous for their commercial, inland and desert ports; as well as in the interior and desert regions, which served as key trade stations for caravans along crucial crossroads. These centers were established by the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, and these commercial centers contributed to the revival of commercial activity and economic movement in general through the exchange of goods or buying and selling operations between the centers of Libya internally or with the rest of the regions of other ancient world civilizations. Consequently, the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans competed fiercely for control over these centers, seeking to exploit their lands and monopolize trade and commercial routes. While the Phoenicians' interest was limited to commerce and wealth, the Greeks and Romans aimed to dominate the region, their purpose throughout their stay in North Africa was establishing cities to assert control and ensure the continuity of their interests.

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Buhūth
Volume 5, Issue 3
Social Sciences and Humanities and Languages
March 2025
Pages 45-61

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