The French Archaeological Mission in Libya has announced significant discoveries in the ancient city of Apollonia in modern-day Susa, including a recently identified theatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the rediscovery of a Greek hippodrome and sanctuary complexes.

According to Libya Review, the mission described the findings as a major scientific development that could provide new insights into Apollonia’s history, urban planning, and cultural significance.

Professor Vincent Michel, Director of the French Archaeological Mission in Libya, stated that the Greek hippodrome is one of a kind, with no known comparable structure anywhere else in Cyrenaica—the historic and geographical region covering eastern modern-day Libya—or throughout the Mediterranean.

Michel said the discovery is of exceptional archaeological importance and could lead researchers to reassess the history of Apollonia and its role within the ancient Mediterranean world.

The French mission has conducted archaeological research in Libya for decades, focusing on remains from the Greek and Roman periods at Apollonia-Susa. Michel has led the mission since 2011.

The participating institutions said the discoveries further reinforce Apollonia’s status as one of Libya’s most important archaeological cities.

The theatre, hippodrome, and sanctuary complexes are expected to open new avenues of research into the development of the ancient city and the broader history of Cyrenaica.