Boreum
Bu Grada · Boreion · Boreum of Syrtica
Roman (Augustan–7th c. CE)·Roman (Tripolitania)·🇱🇾 Syrtica, Sirte Basin, Bu Grada, Libya
About
About Boreum
Frontier fort Boreum/Boreion at Bu Grada lagoon, terminus of Augustan limes road from Leptis. Mudbrick fort 100×80 m, harbour channel for galleys, 3rd-c. customs gate. Mentioned by Strabo as limit of Sylleum desert.
Why it mattersWestern Syrtis frontier terminus illustrating Tripolitanian limes.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Lagoon harbour navigability
- 02Salt production scale
Theories
- 01Boreum as Augustan demonstrative frontier (Mattingly)
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Augustan road station; fort under Domitian
- Period
- Roman (Augustan–7th c. CE)
- Culture
- Roman (Tripolitania)
- Purpose
- Customs and Salinas salt harbour on Syrtis Major
- Excavation
- Unexcavated
c. 10 BCE
Augustan limes road terminus
c. 85 CE
Domitian fort 100×80 m
3rd c. CE
Customs gate with tariff
6th c. CE
Byzantine reoccupation
On the ground
Structures & features
31.5000° N · 15.7000° E · 15 m · 2 mapped features
Fort of Boreum
fortressFort 100×80 m with 4 bastions
31.5010° N · 15.7010° ELagoon Harbour Channel of Boreum
harbourDredged channel 500 m into Bu Grada lagoon
31.4990° N · 15.6990° E