Originally a Phoenician colony, Leptis Magna became one of the wealthiest and important Roman cities in northern Africa. It was the major trading center for exotic animals, mainly for the circuses in the empire. At this time about 100000 people lived in the city.
Emperor Septimus Severus (146-211 AD) was born and grew up here and gave his old 'home town' a preferred status, which freed Leptis Magna from most of the taxes.
Later the city lost its importance, and after the Arabs founded Tripolis, the last remaining inhabitants left Leptis Magna, which slowly disappeared under sand and dirt.
Today a two hours bus ride brings you to the largest preserved antic city in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage since 1982.