History
of Baalbek :
At one time, the worldwide fame of the ruins at Baalbek drew huge numbers of tourist
crowds. In the present day, a trip to Baalbek is extremely difficult and considerably
dangerous. Luckily, the former curator of the site, Michel M. Alouf, made his
years of research available in this heavily illustrated work.
The massive
multi-level platform found at Baalbek, is believed by some scientists to be one
of the "only" prediluvial sites that survived the flood. At a much later
time, it became very well known to the Romans, who desecrated the site to build
their magnificent temples. In fact, the largest Roman temples ever built were
not in Rome, but were found at Baalbek.
One of the most puzzling aspects
of the ruins at Baalbek are the 1,000-plus ton stones which formed part of the
original temple platform. A recent visit to the site allowed inspection of these
large stones, and of the one at the quarry (pictured on the cover), where new
measurements were taken which revealed the largest and most precisely cut stone
at the Trilithon may weigh in at over 1,500 tons.
The largest modern cranes
in the world would have difficulty in lifting, let alone moving, these massive
limestone blocks, and yet there they sit. These stones, and many other aspects
of this important historical site are described at length in this handy reference
guide.
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This Book
Ancient Lebanon: Monuments Past and Present :
The borders of present-day Lebanon, which were established as recently as 1920,
coincide in part with those of Ancient Phoenicia, which was both the cradle of
ancient civilization and the source of the linear alphabet, the basis for all
Western alphabets. The book begins with a brief history of this cultural crossroads,
describing its invasion by successive waves of ancient peoples, including the
Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Persians, the Romans, and the Arabs, each of whose
influence can still be seen in surviving ancient structures.
The authors
examine sixteen important monuments at eight archaeological sites in Lebanon,
including Baalbek, site of the grandiose sanctuary of Jupiter Heliopolitanus and
considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world; the Roman theater in the
ancient city of Byblos; the massive Roman Hippodrome of Tyre; and the Crusader
castle in Sidon, built by medieval Christians on their way to the Holy Land.
The
analysis of these monuments, illustrated both as they appear today and with overlays
indicating how they probably looked in ancient times, provides fascinating insights
into this ancient land, where many cultures have met and struggled for supremacy.
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This Book
Phoenicians: Lebanon's Epic Heritage :
This is the most complete history of the Phoenicians to date, including new research
contributed by leading scholars of the Mediterranean. The Phoenicians of Lebanon
became masters of rich sea trade, brought us the alphabet, purple cloth, Carthage
and Hannibal. That much everyone knows. But there was much more to their story.
Their cities of Tyre, Sidon, Beirut, and Byblos were intimately involved with
the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians in many of the epic events of the Mediterranean.
Egyptian records show Phoenician cedar being brought to the Nile while the Great
Pyramid was being built.
These sea-traders supplied the Minoans on Crete,
and competed with the Mycenaeans of Greece. Phoenician cities survived the Sea
Peoples' destruction, then spread westward to plant colonies as far as Spain and
Morocco. Their great colony at Carthage became a metropolis of over 500,000 people.
Yet their lands in Lebanon fell to Alexander the Great, and Carthage fell to the
early Romans in fiery battles. The author presents detailed research and sources
behind this work in on-going academic papers. This book is a more readable form
of that information, freshened with many maps and pictures...
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This Book
Lebanon. The Phoenician Pearl :
Lebanon is the daughter of the sea. The precious archives of Ugarit tell a terrible
story, about when the entire universe suffered the violence of the gods. We learn
that Yam, the God of the sea, and Baal, 'prince of the Earth and rider of the
clouds', hated each other with fury. Yam was killed, and the ancient power of
the abysses fell with him. But the Phoenicians maintained their intimate relationship
with she who would become their best ally.
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This Book
Lonely Planet Syria & Lebanon :
Discover all of Syria's myriad charms - explore magnificent Crusader castles and
ancient ruins, treasure hunt in labyrinthine souqs and people-watch in Damascene
coffeehouses with this excellent guide.
- 52 detailed maps, plus a full-colour
country map.
- the lowdown on where to eat and stay for all budgets.
- illustrated guides to shopping in the souqs and steaming in the hammams (bathhouses).
- all you need to know about the major sights, from ancient - Palmyra to
the old houses of Damascus.
- useful language chapter with Arabic alphabet,
numerals and script.
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This Book
Lonely Planet Lebanon :
With peace restored, travellers are once again discovering Lebanon's abundant
attractions. From celebrated Roman sites to the Middle East's hippest clubs and
ski resorts, this fully updated guide will help you travel hassle free.
-
23 detailed maps, plus a full-colour country map.
- extensive historical,
political and cultural information.
- up-to-date advice on where to stay
and eat on any budget.
- the latest on border crossings, no-go areas and
the best wayto get around concise Arabic language chapter, plus Arabic script
throughout.
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This Book
