History of Libya

By imfreshasice

  • Phoenicians

    7th century BC - Phoenicians settle in Tripolitania in western Libya.

  • Rome

    74 BC - Romans conquer Libya.

  • Italy

    Italy conquers Libya. Omar al-Mukhtar begins 20-year insurgency against Italian rule.

  • Independence

    Libya becomes independent under King Idris al-Sanusi.

  • Gaddafi Rule

    King Idris deposed in military coup led by Col Muammar Gaddaf who introduces state socialism by nationalising most economic activity, including the oil industry.

  • Name Change

    Col Gaddafi declares a "people's revolution", changing the country's official name from the Libyan Arab Republic to the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriyah leading to the start of institutionalised chaos, economic decline and general arbitrariness.

  • Bombing

    US bombs Libyan military facilities, residential areas of Tripoli and Benghazi, killing 101 people, and Gaddafi's house, killing his adopted daughter.

  • Weapons of Mass Destruction

    Libya says will abandon programmes to develop weapons of mass destruction.

  • Reign of Gaaddafi

    Gaddafi elected chairman of the African Union by leaders meeting in Ethiopia. Sets out ambition of "United States of Africa" even embracing the Caribbean.

  • Gaddafi in hiding

    Col Gaddafi goes into hiding. His wife and three of his children flee to neighbouring Algeria.

  • Dead at last

    Col Gaddafi is killed. Three days later, the NTC declares Libya to be officially "liberated" and announces plans to hold elections within eight months.