Bringing Libya’s Past to the Screen: Ancient Adventures: Libya

This exclusive event will bring Cyrenaica’s rich and varied archaeological landscapes to the screen, from monumental Classical cities to fragile and threatened coastal settlements. The film was produced through a major international collaboration between History Hit, MarEA (Maritime Endangered Archaeology, Ulster University), the World Monuments Fund, the University of Benghazi, and the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund.

Presented by historian Dan Snow and producer-director Bill Locke, the documentary offers a rare and compelling journey through Libya’s past. Viewers are taken to iconic sites such as Cyrene and Apollonia, where urban planning, architecture, and maritime infrastructure reveal Libya’s central role in the ancient Mediterranean world. Alongside these celebrated centres, the film also foregrounds lesser-known sites that are essential for understanding everyday life, long-term coastal occupation, and human engagement with dynamic maritime environments.

A particular focus is placed on Al Haniyah, a modest but archaeologically significant coastal settlement currently under severe threat from erosion and modern development. We are especially pleased to highlight that research at Al Haniyah is being undertaken in collaboration with a member of the BILNAS Council, and that BILNAS funding directly supported the archaeological work that enabled filming at the site. This screening therefore reflects not only an engaging documentary project, but also BILNAS’s active role in supporting research, documentation, and the responsible public communication of Libya’s endangered heritage.

Wea re delighted that producer-director Bill Locke will be present at the screening and will share reflections on his experiences of filming in Libya, offering personal insights into its archaeological landscapes and his impressions of this remarkable country.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London, United Kingdom

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