Sabratha Timeline

The Berber Zwagha tribe inhabits the area of Sabratha.

The area of Sabratha is colonized by the Carthaginians and named Tsabratan.

Tsabratan (Sabratha) taken by Numidian king Masinissa.

Sabratha is part of the Numidian Kingdom of Jugurtha.

Sabratha taken by Rome after Jugurtha's defeat and execution.

Sabratha made part of the province of Africa Nova during the reign of Julius Caesar.

Sabratha revitalized and expanded during the reign of Augustus Caesar.

Sabratha prospers and develops during the reign of Antoninus Pius.

Trial of Lucius Apuleius at Sabratha on the charge of witchcraft.

Sabratha expands and is renovated during the reign of Marcus Aurelius.

Emperor Commodus continues renovations and expansion at Sabratha.

The Austuriani tribe make regular incursions into Sabratha, weakening the city.

The 365 Crete Earthquake destroys the seaward side of Sabratha, topples buildings.

Byzantine Empire establishes churches at Sabratha, dismantles monuments to build walls.

Invading Arab armies find Sabratha mostly deserted and in ruins and so abandon it.