Bu Njem

Bu Njem, Roman Gholaia, was a legionary fort established in 201 on the desert frontier south of Tripolitania, with walls, gate, headquarters building and a bath house, and excavation there recovered a set of ostraca, notes written on pot sherds by the garrison: duty rosters, supply lists and letters, which give an unusually direct account of what life on the frontier actually involved. A temple stands outside the walls.

What you actually see

• The fort walls - the circuit and gate of the 201 foundation.
• The headquarters building - the administrative core within the fort.
• The ostraca connection - the site that produced the garrison's written notes.
• The desert setting - the frontier position south of the coastal belt.

When to go

March to April and October to November are the workable months. Summer heat in the desert is extreme. Access needs a guide at any season.

Honest expectations

The site is remote and needs four-wheel drive and a guide. Little has been consolidated and sand covers much of it. Travel in Libya requires arrangements through a licensed operator.

Nearby

Ghirza is northwest, and Sirte is north.