10+ Glorious Phoenician Towns & Historical Sites in Modern Lebanon
Welcome to our list of the best Phoenician towns & historical sites in modern Lebanon!
The Phoenicians were a Mediterranean people who flourished during the first millennium BCE. They were known for their skill in seafaring and trade, and their colorful culture left a lasting impression on the Mediterranean world. The Phoenicians were originally from the region of Canaan, in what is now Lebanon. Around the year 1000 BCE, they began to establish trading colonies along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. These colonies became rich and prosperous, and the Phoenicians became famous for their expert sailors and traders. In addition to their trading activities, the Phoenicians also developed a system of alphabetical writing, which was later adopted by the Greeks. The Phoenician civilization came to an end after being conquered. However, their legacy lives on in the many cultures that they influenced — and in the towns, cities, ruins, and other historical sites they left behind in the country of Lebanon.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at these amazing places and perhaps on your next trip to the Middle East, you can see these historical sites for yourself!
10+ Glorious Phoenician Towns & Historical Sites in Modern Lebanon
1) Byblos (Gebal)
Byblos is the Phoenician city in Lebanon that is widely considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. The first inhabitants settled in Byblos between 8,800 and 7,000 B.C., making it one of the very first cities built in Phoenicia. Phoenicia was a major maritime civilization that flourished in the Mediterranean from about 1500 B.C. to 300 B.C., and Byblos played an important role in its development. Today, Byblos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its many Phoenician archaeological treasures, including the Phoenician Royal Necropolis, the Temple of the Obelisks, the Phoenician Port, and the Temple of Baalat Gebal. Plus, the city is home to the oldest inscription of the Phoenician alphabet, which was discovered on a tombstone dating back to 1200 B.C. Visitors to Byblos can learn all about Phoenician history and culture while marveling at some of the most well-preserved Phoenician ruins in the world.
Photo credits: @connorjudsongarrett
2) Batroun (Botrys)
Batroun is one of the oldest Phoenician cities in the world. It is thought to have been founded in the 3rd millennium BC, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The name Batroun comes from the Phoenician word bater, which means to cut. It refers to the wall that the Phoenicians built in the sea to protect them from tidal waves. Today, Batroun is a thriving city with a vibrant culture and a rich history. It is home to a number of important archaeological sites, as well as a number of significant religious and historical buildings. The city is also renowned for its beautiful beaches, which attract visitors from all over the world.
Photo credits: @connorjudsongarrett
3) Beirut (Berut)
According to archaeological findings, the area around Beirut has been inhabited for over 5,000 years. The first historical mention of the city comes from the ancient Egyptian Tell el Amarna letters, which date back to the 15th century BC. Its name is thought to derive from the Phoenician word be’erot, meaning "wells", in reference to the underground water table that is still used by locals today. Another version of the city's etymology suggests that it was named after the Phoenician daughter of Adonis and Aphrodite, Beroe.
Photo credits: beirutreport.com
4) Baalbek
Pilgrims thronged to this sanctuary city to venerate the three deities, known under the name of the Romanized Triad of Heliopolis, an essentially Phoenician cult (Jupiter, Venus and Mercury). The importance of this amalgam of ruins of the Greco-Roman period with even more ancient vestiges of Phoenician tradition, are based on its outstanding artistic and architectural value. The acropolis of Baalbek comprises several temples. The Roman construction was built on top of earlier Phoenician ruins. Today, Baalbek is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to be an important pilgrimage site for those who follow the Phoenician cult.
Photo credits: @connorjudsongarrett
5) Anfeh (Ampi)
Anfeh is a Phoenician city located in North Lebanon, just 15 kilometers south of Tripoli. There are remains of at least 3,000 years of human occupation. There is also a Phoenician wall, a castle, and an impressive peninsula fortress. Anfeh was first settled in the 4th millennium BC, and by the 3rd millennium BC it was an important center of trade. It was also the site of one of the oldest Phoenician ports. In the 1st century AD, Anfeh was conquered by the Romans and became part of the Province of Phoenicia. After the Roman Empire divided into East and West in 395 AD, Anfeh became part of the Eastern Roman Empire. In 637 AD it was conquered by the Arabs and renamed 'An-Nafi'. It remained under Arab rule until 1124 AD when it was captured by crusaders. Anfeh came under Ottoman rule in 1516 AD and remained part of the Ottoman Empire until 1918 AD. Today, Anfeh is a small fishing village with a population of about 2,000 people. However, its rich history and beautiful setting make it a popular tourist destination.
Photo credits: @connorjudsongarrett
6) Sidon (Sydon)
Sidon was one of the most important ancient Phoenician cities, perhaps even the oldest. From its port and those of other nearby cities, the Phoenicians built a great commercial empire that extended throughout the Mediterranean. The Greek poet Homer praised Sidon's craftsmen for their skill in producing glass and purple dyes, and he also praised the women of Sidon for their skill in embroidery. It was also from Sidon that a party of colonists set out to found the city of Tyre. Tyre also grew into a great city, and in subsequent years there was often competition between Sidon and Tyre, each claiming to be the Mother City of Phoenicia. Glass manufacturing was Sidon's most important enterprise in the Phoenician era, and the production of purple dye was almost as important.
Photo credits: @connorjudsongarrett
7) Temple of Eshmun
Phoenician temples were religious buildings used by the Phoenicians for worship. They were typically dedicated to one or more Phoenician deities and were built using Phoenician architectural methods. The Temple of Eshmun, located near the Awali river in southwestern Lebanon, is an example of a Phoenician temple. The temple was constructed by Sidonian king Eshmunazar II in the Achaemenid era (c. 529–333 BC), but it was expanded by later monarchs, such as Bodashtart and Yatan-milk. The temple was used for worship of the Phoenician god of healing, Eshmun. It is one of the few extant Phoenician temples and provides insight into the religious beliefs and practices of the Phoenicians.
Photo credits: rutaschile.com
8) Tyre (Sour)
Tyre is an ancient Phoenician town that was once one of the leading city-states in Phoenicia. It was also the most important seaport for the Phoenicians. The Phoenicians were a civilization that flourished for over 7000 years. They were known for their seafaring skills and their beautiful glass work and purple dye. One of the very rare wars the Phoenicians had to undertake during their long history was to defend Tyre against the impressive forces of Alexander The Great. Alexander was one of the most successful military commanders in history and was determined to conquer Tyre. However, the Phoenicians were able to hold out against him for seven months before finally surrendering.
Photo credits: @connorjudsongarrett
9) Cedars of God
The Cedars of God, referenced in The Epic of Gilgamesh, are a site in Lebanon that has been home to cedar trees for centuries. The Phoenicians used the Cedars for their merchant fleets. They needed timbers for their ships and the Cedar woods made them the “first sea trading nation in the world”. The Egyptians used cedar resin for the mummification process and the cedar wood for some of “their first hieroglyph bearing rolls of papyrus”. In the Bible, Solomon procured cedar timber to build the Temple in Jerusalem, which was also said to have been built with the help of the Phoenicians. Today, the Cedars of God, though much depleted, are still standing. These trees are a reminder of the rich history of this region, the many cultures that have called it home, and the key role this precious wood played in Phoenician expansion.
Photo credits: website.bcharri.net
10) Sarepta (Sarafand)
The Phoenician city of Sarepta is located between Sidon and Tyre in the South of Lebanon. It is known biblically as Zaraphath. Phoenician cities outside of Lebanon are easily excavatable since they are no longer inhabited, like in Spain, Sicily, and Tunisia. However, it’s quite impossible in Lebanon since all the places are still inhabited. Sarepta is the only exception. This city is mentioned in the Bible in both the Books of Kings as well as by Jesus in Luke’s Gospel. In 2006, French archaeologists announced the discovery of the ancient Phoenician city of Sarepta. Excavations revealed many artifacts of daily life in the city: pottery workshops and kilns, artifacts of daily use and religious figurines, numerous inscriptions that included some in Ugaritic. These discoveries shed new light on everyday life in an ancient Phoenician city.
Photo credits: lebanoninapicture.com
11) Tripoli (Athar)
The Phoenician city of Tripoli dates back at least to the 14th century BC. It was established as a trading station by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC, and later became the center of a confederation of Phoenician city-states under Persian rule. The city is located on the Mediterranean coast of Lebanon, and is home to four small islands offshore - the only islands in Lebanon. Tripoli is the second-largest city in Lebanon, and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors to the city can explore its many ancient ruins, Phoenician sites, and Ottoman-era architecture.
Photo credits: @connorjudsongarrett
12) Amioun (Amia)
Amioun is a Phoenician city located in present-day Lebanon. It is one of the oldest settlements in Lebanon, with a history that can be traced back to the Paleolithic period. This is supported by the number of small caves built into the rocks of the old city. Amioun's past has left its mark on different historical periods, whether ancient, medieval, or modern. Among its most popular sites are the rock cut tombs. These tombs provide a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Phoenicians who once inhabited this city.
Photo credits: nogarlicnoonions.com
13) Aarqa
Aarqa is Phoenician town in Lebanon. It was founded in the 2nd millennium BC, and it quickly became an important trading center. Phoenician ships would travel up and down the coast, carrying goods to and from Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece. Aarqa continued to prosper during Roman times. In 208 BC, Emperor Alexander Severus was born there. Today, Aarqa is a small village northeast of Tripoli. But its long history can still be seen in the ruins of its ancient port and in the many artifacts that have been found there.
Photo credits: wmf.org
People Also Ask These Questions About Phoenicians in Lebanon
Are there any Phoenician cities in Lebanon?
Yes, there are many Phoenician cities in Lebanon. In fact, the ancient city of Byblos was one of the most important Phoenician settlements, serving as a major center of trade and commerce. The city was so prosperous that it even minted its own currency. Today, visitors to Lebanon can still see evidence of the Phoenician influence, with numerous archaeological sites dotting the landscape. Although much has changed since the days of the Phoenicians, exploring these ancient ruins is a fascinating way to learn about this once-great civilization.
How long were the Phoenicians in Lebanon?
The Phoenicians are believed to have arrived in Lebanon around 3,000 BCE. They established their first city, Byblos, around 2,800 BCE. The Phoenician civilization flourished for centuries, but it began to decline in the late first millennium BCE. In 64 BCE, Lebanon was conquered by the Roman Empire.
What happened to the Phoenicians in Lebanon?
The Phoenician city-states were prosperous and thriving, and the Phoenicians were able to maintain their culture and identity despite being surrounded by larger civilizations. However, this all changed with the arrival of Alexander the Great in 333 BC. Alexander conquered the Persian Empire, which included the Phoenician city-states. The Phoenicians lost their independence, and their culture was gradually assimilated into the wider Hellenistic world. There is still evidence of the Phoenician presence in Lebanon today, but their once-great civilization is now a distant memory.
What did the Phoenicians invent?
The Phoenicians were known for their skill in navigation and their ability to produce linen and Purple dyes. But they also made many other contributions to the fields of art, literature, and science. They were responsible for inventing the first alphabet, which was later adopted by the Greeks. They also developed early versions of glass and molten metal production. In addition, they are credited with introducing the decimal system to Europe. The Phoenicians were a people with many skills and talents, and their inventions have had a lasting impact on the world.