About Temple of Roma and Augustus, Leptis Magna
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.
Nearby Attractions to Temple of Roma and Augustus, Leptis Magna
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 54 mm | some cloud | 68% | 4.2 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.1h |
| February | Very Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 30 mm | some cloud | 67% | 4.6 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.9h |
| March | Excellent | 12° - 20° | 16° | 24 mm | some cloud | 66% | 5.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 14° - 22° | 18° | 9 mm | mostly sunny | 64% | 5.1 m/s | 1.5 very high | 12.9h |
| May | Ideal | 17° - 25° | 21° | 4 mm | mostly sunny | 62% | 4.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.7h |
| June | Ideal | 20° - 29° | 24° | 1 mm | clear | 60% | 4.6 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.1h |
| July | Ideal | 22° - 30° | 26° | 0 mm | clear | 60% | 4.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.9h |
| August | Ideal | 23° - 31° | 29° | 0 mm | clear | 61% | 3.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.2h |
| September | Ideal | 22° - 30° | 26° | 9 mm | mostly sunny | 63% | 3.9 m/s | 1.5 high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 41 mm | mostly sunny | 64% | 4.1 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.2h |
| November | Excellent | 15° - 24° | 19° | 41 mm | some cloud | 63% | 4.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.4h |
| December | Very Good | 11° - 20° | 15° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 66% | 4.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
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.
