How Qaddafi's Forces Left Sabratha

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9:08 AM, Aug 26, 2011 • By ANN MARLOWE

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Sabratha, Libya—I went to the Roman ruins here on Sunday, and they seem to be fine. But it’s true that Qaddafi’s forces were based here when they attempted to defend Sabratha on the 14^th of August. And they left behind mattresses, parts of their uniforms, and lots of trash.

Overall, the ruins show the same mixture of decades old signage and inept restoration that can be seen in eastern Libya. There’s been a lot written about the Sabratha, and particularly the nearly intact Roman theater. But the truth is, it’s a pastiche with lots of modern concrete and techniques that have been disavowed by archeologists for more than 30 years.