This is the first fundamental study of the history of Libya of the 20th century in scientific and educational literature, based on many previously unpublished archival and documentary materials from Russia, Libya, a number of European and Arab countries. The author, academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences and professor of history, worked for six years (1974-1980) in Libya as an adviser to the USSR Embassy in SNLAD, since 1981 he has been conducting scientific activities at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He owns more than 230 scientific publications, including several books about Libya: "The Libyan Revolution" (1989), "The History of Libya in Modern and Modern Times" (1992), "Libya: 25 Years of Revolution" (1994), "Libya. Textbook" (1995), "Modern Libya." Handbook (1996). The book is designed for specialists studying the processes taking place in the Arab world, and for a wide range of readers following the events in this North African country. The monograph can be used as a manual in higher and secondary educational institutions.