Temple of Roma and Augustus, Leptis Magna
Historical Site Roman temple at Leptis Magna archaeological site
Part of the Leptis Magna archaeological site on Libya’s coast, the Temple of Roma and Augustus features Roman columns and classical architecture; visitors tour the extensive Roman city ruins and mosaics.
The Temple of Roma and Augustus is a Roman temple ruin located in the ancient city of Leptis Magna on Libya’s Mediterranean coast. It was dedicated to the cult of Roma and to the emperor and is one of several monumental religious buildings within the site.
The surviving remains include elements of the temple podium, column bases and approaches that mark its position within the city’s monumental precinct. The temple stood as part of the forum and civic complex, visible today amid the broader urban ruins of Leptis Magna.
Constructed during the Roman imperial period, the temple served for imperial cult worship and formed part of the civic architecture of the city as it developed under Roman rule. Over time the site experienced phases of construction, reuse and eventual decline along with the city as a whole.
The temple sits within the archaeological site near the modern town of Al Khums (Khoms) on Libya’s coast, forming part of the extensive ruins that line this stretch of the Mediterranean.
- UNESCO status: Included within the wider Leptis Magna archaeological complex, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Dedication: Dedicated to the cult of Roma and the Roman emperor, the temple formed part of the civic and religious heart of the ancient city.
How to Get to Temple of Roma and Augustus, Leptis Magna #
Leptis Magna lies near the modern town of Al Khums (Khoms), about 120 kilometres east of Tripoli by coastal road. Access typically requires private car or an organized tour from Tripoli; local transportation infrastructure varies-confirm safety and travel conditions before planning. On-site pathways link the principal ruins, but the complex is spread out and exposed.
Tips for Visiting Temple of Roma and Augustus, Leptis Magna #
- Base yourself in Khoms (Al Khums) and plan a full morning at the site-there's a lot of ground to cover and sparse shade.
- Bring sun protection and water; the ruins lie in an exposed coastal plain with little shelter at midday.
- Hire a local archaeologist or accredited guide to understand the Severan-era inscriptions and the site's Ottoman and Italian‑era restoration traces-stories that a signboard will not tell.
Best Time to Visit Temple of Roma and Augustus, Leptis Magna #
Visit in spring or autumn for milder temperatures; avoid the peak of Libyan summer when heat can be intense.
Weather & Climate near Temple of Roma and Augustus, Leptis Magna #
Temple of Roma and Augustus, Leptis Magna's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 57 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.