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The ancient ruins of Cyrene are located in Libya. Cyrene was a prominent Greek colony founded in the 7th century BCE by settlers from the island of Thera (modern Santorini). It became one of the most important cities of the ancient Greek world in North Africa and was later integrated into the Roman Empire.

Cyrene was renowned for its intellectual and cultural contributions, especially in philosophy, medicine, and sciences. It was also famous for its fertile land, which produced crops and medicinal plants, including the now-extinct silphium, a highly valued herb in antiquity.

Key Facts about the Ruins of Cyrene:

• Location: Libya, near the modern city of Shahhat


• Founded: Around 631 BCE by Greek settlers from Thera


• Significance: Major center of Greek culture and later a Roman city


• Famous For: Philosophy, sciences, and the rare plant silphium


• UNESCO Status: Declared a World Heritage Site in 1982


• Main Structures: Temples, theaters, agora, necropolis, and baths

Today, the ruins of Cyrene remain a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the city’s historical significance and its role as a cultural bridge between the Mediterranean world and North Africa.