Ancient Destinations Lebanon

Located between the Mediterranean coastline and snowcapped mountains is Lebanon. The country is rich in both archaeology and natural beauty. Scattered throughout the land are numerous ancient temples and theaters that remind travellers of its great Phoenician, Persian, Greek and Roman past.

Photo: GNU License - BlingBling10

Situated in the Bekaa Valley of eastern Lebanon just northeast of modern day Beirut, lay the ruins of the mysterious temple complex of Baalbek. This ancient site was settled both by the Phoenicians and Romans in the past. Baalbek is well known for having quite possibly the largest known stones ever used in construction in the entire world. Today, travellers can see the remnants of Roman temples that were worshipped during the Roman occupation. The main buildings at Baalbek include the Temple of Jupiter, Temple of Bacchus and the Hajar el Gouble (aka Stone of the Pregnant Woman).

The Temple of Jupiter is believed to have been constructed between the 1st - 3rd Century AD. Scholars are convinced that this temple was built over an ancient Phoenician podium that is estimated to date back to 3000 BC. The Roman temple measures 88 x 48 meters and stands 13 meters high. It originally had fifty-four columns but only six are standing today. The great platform or podium beneath the temple is subject to many debates. For example, on the western side of the temple's podium there are three massive stones called the Trilithon. Each of these stones weigh approximately 800 tons! How did the ancients cut, move and place these large building blocks so long ago? Whoever sliced and placed these gigantic stones below the Temple of Jupiter and for what purpose, remains a great mystery to this day. (More Photos)

Another massive building on this ancient acropolis is the Temple of Bacchus. It was commissioned by Antoninus Pius. Scholars believe that the temple was dedicated to Bacchus (Roman God of wine) and was built around 150 AD. The structure is 69 meters long and 36 meters wide. There is a total of forty-two columns each reaching 19 meters in height. (More Photos)

Another mysterious area that should be part of your ancient world tours package is a limestone quarry site about a quarter of a mile away from the Baalbek complex. This area is believed to have the largest single piece of cut stone ever created in the world. This enormous stone is called Hajar el Gouble or Stone of the Pregnant Woman. This monolith weighs an astounding 1,200 tons and measures 69 feet by 16 feet by 13 feet, 10 inches. The stone's base is still attached to the quarried rock. Many mysteries surround the purpose Hajar el Gouble served. The movement of this stone and how it was cut is still unknown to archaeologists today. (More Photos)

Photo: LouisL

Located about 26 miles north of Beirut is the ancient city of Byblos. It is considered to be the oldest inhabited city in the Middle East and possibly in the world. Although no one knows exactly how old Byblos really is, scholars estimate the city dates back to at least 7000 years. The source of the first Phoenician letters ever created comes from Byblos. As a result, the Phoenicians are accredited for giving us our modern day alphabet.

There are a number of scattered ruins throughout Byblos. Two that are worth special mentioning include the Temple of Baalat-Gebal and the Sidon Sea Castle. The Temple of Baalat Gebal is the oldest temple in Byblos and dates back to the 4th century BC. It once had a sacred pool nearby that was in use for over 2000 years. However, with the Roman conquest in later times the pool was replaced with a Roman building. The original Temple of Baalat-Gebal was burnt down by fire during the Amorite rule until a new temple was erected again upon the site. (More Photos)

Photo: CityPeek

The Sidon Sea Castle dates back to the 12th and 13th century AD range. It is considered to be one of the most dominant attractions at Byblos. It is a large fortified castle built by the Frankish Crusaders. (More Photos) The crusaders used stones from various tombs and other buildings to construct it. Scholars believe that in ancient times, a moat surrounded the structure but was later drained by the Ottoman Turks who later took control of the area and castle.

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