Tripoli: The French archaeological mission in Libya has officially concluded its 2026 field season, marking the 50th anniversary of Libyan-French archaeological cooperation with significant discoveries at the sites of Apollonia, Lathron, and Leptis Magna.
According to Libyan News Agency, the 2026 season witnessed a gradual resumption of field missions, which had been relaunched since 2024, in collaboration with the Libyan Department of Antiquities. The mission reported substantial scientific outcomes at several key archaeological sites throughout the country.
Research at Apollonia (modern-day Sousse) confirmed the Hellenistic era of the city walls, with excavations commencing in the Acropolis area. The site also saw the re-examination of the only known cherubic stadium, alongside the discovery of a new theater and previously undocumented archaeological sites.
Excavations at Lathron provided new insights into the design of Roman baths and revealed details of the area's resettlement during the Byzantine period. Restoration efforts on the eastern basilica also continued during the mission.
In Leptis Magna, the reopening of the Baths of the Levant area led to the discovery of a network of water channels linked to oyster farms, enhancing the understanding of the site's hydraulic system. Additionally, a large paved area was uncovered south of the building.
The mission emphasized that beyond excavations, the season included scientific meetings, specialized training workshops in heritage preservation, and official site visits, highlighting the cooperation between Libya and France in scientific research and heritage conservation.
Gratitude was expressed to various Libyan and French entities, including the Libyan Department of Antiquities, the Tourism and Antiquities Police, local municipalities, the French Embassy in Libya, and other supporting organizations, for their contributions to the successful field season.
The results of the 2026 season are seen as a new step in expanding the scope of archaeological research in Libya, enhancing the scientific understanding of the country's history and heritage within the framework of the ongoing Franco-Libyan archaeological partnership that began in 1976.