French archaeological mission concludes 2026 season and highlights major findings in Libya

The French archaeological mission  in Libya has concluded its 2026 field season, presenting the key results of its work, which included significant archaeological discoveries and studies at the sites of Apollonia, Lathron, and Leptis Magna, coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of Libyan-French archaeological cooperation.

The mission explained that the 2026 season marked the gradual resumption of field missions relaunched since 2024, in close cooperation with the Libyan Department of Antiquities, noting that excavation and research activities produced important scientific results at several of the country’s most prominent archaeological sites.

It added that research in the city of Apollonia (modern-day Susa) confirmed the Hellenistic dating of the city’s walls. Excavations also began in the Acropolis area, while the site’s only known kyrasis stadium was reexamined, alongside the discovery of a new theater and previously undocumented archaeological shrines.

The mission said excavations at the Lathron site provided new insights into the design of Roman baths and uncovered evidence related to the resettlement of the area during the Byzantine period, while restoration work on the eastern basilica continued.

At Leptis Magna, the reopening of the Levant Baths area yielded new findings, including the discovery of a network of water channels linked to oyster farms, improving understanding of the site’s hydraulic system, in addition to uncovering a large paved area south of the building.

The mission stressed that the season’s activities extended beyond archaeological excavations to include scientific meetings and specialized training workshops on heritage protection, as well as official visits to archaeological sites, reflecting the level of cooperation between Libya and France in scientific research and heritage preservation.

The mission also expressed its gratitude to the Libyan Department of Antiquities, the Tourism Police and Antiquities Protection Authority, local municipalities, the French Embassy in Libya, the French Institute, the Archaeological Excavation Committee of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Libyan Embassy in France, and all members of the Libyan and French teams for their efforts and support in ensuring the success of the season.