Mysterious mask found in ancient vessel in Libya

In the summer of 2024, Polish archaeologists working in the ancient city of Ptolemais made several important finds that reveal details of the life of ancient society. Among them is the utility part of a city residence with a water collection system and a rare artifact in the form of a mask with a human face, reports Naukawpolsce.pl.

Ptolemais, located on the Mediterranean coast, was founded by Egyptian kings from the Ptolemaic dynasty at the end of the 4th or 3rd century BC. e. The city was part of Cyrenaica, a historical region in the northeast of modern Libya, which was an important center of Greco-Roman culture. Due to its geographical location, Ptolemais flourished as a commercial and administrative center. The city’s infrastructure, which included theaters, hippodromes, water supplies, and an acropolis, testifies to the high level of organization and architectural achievement of its time. Ptolemais remained an important city until the Arab conquest in the 7th century AD. e.

During excavations in Ptolemais, the eastern part of the city residence, dating from the end of the 2nd – beginning of the 3rd century AD, was explored. e. Archaeologists have established that the core of the house was a small peristyle – a courtyard surrounded by a colonnade. Around it there was a kitchen, a staircase leading to the second floor, and a room decorated with mosaics. Frequent repairs to the mosaic surface indicate long-term use of the building.

Of particular interest was the rainwater collection system. The peristyle basin, or impluvium, was a key element of this system. He directed water into two underground tanks, which provided the residents with the necessary supply of water. This solution emphasizes the high level of engineering knowledge of the builders, who adapted to the climatic conditions of the region.

The residence survived several earthquakes that struck Cyrenaica in the second half of the 3rd century. After the destruction, the house was restored. This is evidenced by three stone vessels found at the entrance. Such stone vessels were used in ancient times to store food, taxes or gifts. In late antiquity, such vessels are often found in houses whose owners were engaged in public activities or had relations with the authorities. In this case, archaeologists suggest that the vessels could have been installed after the destruction to help the house owners organize their economic activities, perhaps as part of reconstruction after the earthquakes.

One of the most unusual finds was a stucco decoration on the wall of one of the tanks – a mask depicting a human face. It is made of hydraulic mortar, a lime-based material that can harden not only when exposed to air, but also under water.

The mask is devoid of individual features, which makes it difficult to identify. However, researchers note its similarity to images found in Libyan sanctuaries such as Slonta, located south of Cyrene. Perhaps the owner of the house or the craftsmen who created the image were of Libyan origin. Ancient epigraphic sources indicate close interaction between the Greek and Libyan communities in Cyrenaica.