Cultural Platforms in the Region of the Three Cities During the Roman Occupation

Abstract

This research presents a detailed historical and analytical study of the cultural centers and institutions in the region of the three cities (Leptis Magna, Sabratha, and Oea) during the Roman occupation, highlighting their role in cultural interaction, the dissemination of Latin thought and language, and the extent of their influence on the region's original inhabitants. This study focuses on three main cultural centers: the basilicas, which served as official centers for trials, trade, and lectures, such as the basilica The Severan of Leptis Magna and the Basilica of Sabratha, where the famous writer Apuleius was tried, were followed by theaters that flourished, presenting comedies, tragedies, lectures, and speeches. Among the most famous were the theater of Leptis Magna and the theater of Sabratha, adorned with marble reliefs depicting mythological and philosophical legends. Then there were the libraries and baths, which, although not yet archaeologically discovered in the region, are confirmed by sources to have private libraries attached to villas, in addition to the role of public baths, such as Hadrian's Baths in Leptis Magna, in athletic activities. The research also explored aspects of literary life through the analysis of two poetic texts found in Sabratha and Abu Nujaym, written in Latin, and highlighted the figure of the Libyan writer and philosopher Apuleius. The Madaura, who lived in Oea, cited his famous defense (the Apology) in the Basilica of Sabratha in response to his accusation of witchcraft, in addition to reviewing his important works such as ( The Golden Ass) and (The Flowers), which highlights the cultural value of the region as a Mediterranean center of communication.