A small part of the vast ruins of Cyrene. Photographer: Lachris77. Copyrighted. Licensed (dp: 43607877)
A small part of the vast ruins of Cyrene

What is…
Cyrene

Greek: Κυρήνη (Kyrḗnē) —Roman (Latin) name: Cyrene

also known as: Kyrene and Tripoli

This is an ancient city (now Tripoli) in Upper Libya, North Africa, founded by a colony of Greeks (B.C. 630) from Thera (modern Santorini). Inhabitants are referred to as Cyrenians.

It was part of the ancient North African Pentapolis (“Five Cities”), an important group of five cities in the region, and gave the area its classical and early modern name Cyrenaica. The five cities were…

  1. Cyrene and its port
  2. Arsinoe or Taucheira (Tocra)
  3. Euesperides or Berenice (near modern Benghazi)
  4. Balagrae (Bayda)
  5. Barce (Marj)

Cyrene’s port was called Apollonia (Marsa Sousa).

It contained latterly a large number of Jews, who were introduced into the city by Ptolemy, the son of Lagus, because he thought they would contribute to the security of the place. They increased in number and influence; and we are thus prepared for the frequent references to them in connection with the early history of Christianity.

Simon, who bore our Lord’s cross, was a native of this place.

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. —Matthew 27:32 KJV

And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. —Mark 15:21 KJV

Jews from Cyrene were in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2:10); and Cyrenian Jews had a synagogue at Jerusalem (6:9).

Converts belonging to Cyrene contributed to the formation of the first Gentile church at Antioch (11:20).

Among “the prophets and teachers” who “ministered to the Lord at Antioch” was Lucius of Cyrene (13:1).

Cyrenaica and Marmarica in 2nd century AD. Map by Samuel Butler, J.M. Dent (1907)
Cyrenaica and Marmarica in 2nd century AD. Map by Samuel Butler, J.M. Dent (1907)

There are many sites of archeological significance in Tripoli. The archaeological remains cover several hectares and include several monumental pagan temples, stoas, theatres, bathhouses, churches, and palatial residences. There is also a large necropolis of about 20 square kilometers north and south of the city, making it one of the largest known Greek necropoleis.

The ancient mathematician, geographer, and astronomer Eratosthenes (276 – 194 BC), was a Cyrenian and became the librarian of the Library of Alexandria. He is the first known to calculate the circumference of the Earth.

The early church Christian author Synesius (circa 373 – c. 414 AD) was a Cyrenian and became the bishop of Ptolemais.

More information