Tocra

Tocra, ancient Taucheira, was founded as a Greek colony in the seventh century BC and remained occupied through the Roman and Byzantine periods, and its most visible survival is the circuit of city walls with towers and gates, rebuilt in the Byzantine period, along with a fort inside them. A sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone outside the walls produced thousands of votive figurines when it was excavated. The modern town has grown up against the site.

History

Founded by the Greeks and counted by some as part of the Pentapolis of Cyrenaica, Taucheira later became a Roman colony and was fortified by Justinian I. It was known for the worship of Cybele, honoured with an annual festival, and its walls show Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine work (Wikipedia, Tocra).

The main sights

• The city walls - the circuit with towers and gates, rebuilt in the Byzantine period.
• The Byzantine fort - the fortification standing within the walls.
• The Demeter sanctuary - the site outside the walls that produced thousands of votives.
• The coastal position - the city on the shore between Benghazi and the Pentapolis.

When to go

March to May and October to November are the comfortable months. Summer is hot. Winter brings rain to the coast.

What to expect

The modern town presses against the site and encroachment is a serious problem. Little is interpreted. Travel in Libya requires arrangements through a licensed operator.

Nearby

Ptolemais is east, and Benghazi is west.