Learn about the acropolis ward in the city of Cyrene.
Located on the western edge of city, Cyrene's acropolis was smaller than the one in Athens, though its high vantage point provided protection for the city.
At its entrance was a single door, flanked by two towers. An inscription, Legible to this day, states that the walls and the citadel were restored in the time of Augustus.
A number of statuettes have been excavated from the site, including one of Berenice, the daughter of Magus the king of Cyrene, and half-brother of Ptolemy II.
At the northeast tower, there is a sanctuary consisting of two small temples with a vestibule, and an altar believed to be that of Serapis and Iset.
When the temples were excavated, archaeologists found traces of fire damage; however there are no indications as to when this fire occurred.
(Behind the Scenes)
In the 20th century, a fortification was built above the ward, to defend against an invading army.
It covered the ancient remains of nearby Roman houses entirely, and archaeologists have yet to fully excavate them.